BY YOGO CHRISTOPHER
AS the first light of dawn broke over Aniocha North on October 4, this year, the rhythmic beats of ancient drums echoed through Issele-Uku, signaling more than just the start of another day. They announced a cultural reawakening. The vibrant procession of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli, adorned in full royal regalia, moving toward Abuano—the spiritual heart of the kingdom—was not merely ceremonial. It represented a community’s determined stand against the tidal waves of globalization and insecurity, a powerful declaration that their heritage remains vibrantly alive .
The 2025 Ine-Aho Festival, a century-old tradition symbolizing gratitude and renewal, unfolded with a significance that resonated far beyond its traditional rituals. For the people of Issele-Uku, this was more than a festival; it was a cultural triumph—a testament to a community actively reclaiming its identity and proving that ancient traditions can provide solutions to contemporary problems.
More Than Festival: The Roots of Resilience
The cultural confidence on display throughout the Ine-Aho Festival is deeply rooted in a rich historical consciousness. Issele-Uku, originally known as Isi-Ile-Uku, was established around 1230 AD as an outpost of the Benin Empire by Oba Eweka I, who sent his second son, Prince Uwadiaie, to rule as its first “Ogie” (king) . This Benin heritage remains a cornerstone of the kingdom’s identity, evident in its traditional governance structures and the continued use of Edo-derived quarters names like Ogbeofu, Ogboli, and Idumuinei .
“This Ine-Aho Festival has become necessary and almost the last resort in helping the community to ward off evil on the land,” explained Obi Nduka during a recent traditional cleansing ceremony. “This is a form of spiritual cleansing which was a method adopted by our forefathers to curtail evil in the community whenever it becomes unbearable,” he added. The kingdom’s unique position as a historical crossroads is reflected in its linguistic evolution.
While fiercely proud of their Benin origins, the people of Issele-Uku today speak Enuani, a dialect showing significant Igbo influence—a testament to centuries of trade and cultural exchange with neighboring communities. This synthesis of influences has created a distinct cultural identity that remains consciously connected to its Benin roots while embracing its place in the diverse tapestry of the Anioma region.
Cultural Fortress: When Tradition Meets Modern Challenges
This year’s celebrations carried particular significance following the kingdom’s remarkable spiritual response to rising security challenges. In May 2025, faced with an unsettling wave of kidnappings, the community turned to its ancient playbook, performing the “IneUbi” ceremony—a traditional cleansing ritual where curses were solemnly laid upon criminals terrorizing the land.
Members of the nine villages that make up Issele-Uku Kingdom processed to the royal palace with palm sticks, Bibles, and chaplets in their hands, united in their determination to spiritually safeguard their community. This powerful display of traditional belief systems working in tandem with modern security efforts highlighted the practical role indigenous knowledge continues to play in contemporary community governance.
“We are collaborating with government and security agencies in seeking solutions to this menace, but at this point, we all have individual roles to also play,” Obi Nduka stated, emphasizing the complementary nature of traditional and modern approaches to problem-solving .
The Human Fabric: Personal Stories of Cultural Revival
Beyond the grand ceremonies, Issele-Uku’s cultural triumph is woven from countless personal stories of reconnection and honour. The recognition of individuals like Chief (Prof.) Patrick Osiegbu, conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of “Ojugbana of Issele-Uku Kingdom” in May 2024, represents the kingdom’s commitment to honouring those who bridge modern achievement with traditional service .
The festival’s concluding ritual, Ihu Onicha, saw Idime chiefs receiving the royal handshake from the monarch—a symbolic gesture of unity and continuity that binds the community’s leadership together. Despite an early morning downpour, the ceremony proceeded with unwavering enthusiasm, the vibrant red attire of the Obi contrasting with the rain-washed palace grounds as pulsating ‘EgwuIssoh’ music filled the air.
For residents like Mark Mokwunyem, the festival represents an irreplaceable touchstone of identity. “Ine-Aho continues to stand as a powerful symbol of Issele-Uku’s cultural pride and enduring heritage,” he observed, echoing sentiments shared by many who traveled from across Nigeria and the diaspora to participate .
The Path Forward: Tradition as a Living Tapestry
As the echoes of the 2025 Ine-Aho Festival fade, Issele-Uku stands as a compelling example of how African communities can navigate the delicate balance between preservation and progress. The kingdom’s approach demonstrates that culture is not a static relic to be displayed in museums but a living, breathing resource that can inform modern governance, security, and community cohesion.
“The glory of Issele-Uku lies in its unfettered adherence to its rich culture and traditions,” Obi Nduka remarked in the lead-up to the festival. “One of the imperative cultures of Issele-Uku is the Ine Aho festival, which is the most reverend festival in the ancient town,” the monarch added.
This sentiment captures the essence of Issele-Uku’s cultural triumph—not merely in the spectacular display of traditional pageantry, but in the quiet confidence of a people who have found in their heritage, the tools to face contemporary challenges, the wisdom to honour their past, and the vision to shape their future on their own terms.
