By Lucy Ezeliora
It was indeed a glamourous gathering at the residence of Chief Onwordi James Asika Ibori, the Onishe Ezemu, (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu -Uku kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government area of Delta state as he celebrate the 2025 Iwaji new yam festival in Grand style.
The event, witnessed by a large turnout of cultural enthusiasts and notable sons and daughters in Diaspora, was colourful and held amid a display of rich cultural dances of the Ubulu people, masquerades and parades of traditionalists.
The ceremony started with customary rites at his residence in Akwu Quarters where over 10 traditional rulers, and special guests paid homage to the Onishe Ezemu of Ubulu -Uku.
After the kolanut breaking, palmwine and other traditional paraphernalia were observed inside his apartment, the people of Ubulu community and guests trooped to the open ground of his residence where the proper festival cultural activities took place.
The special guest of honour, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor of the state, attended the occasion with an entourage of about 10 traditional rulers from the States and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Thank God Harry Trakiriowel, among others
Speaking with newsmen, The Onishe Ezemu disclosed that the essence of the festival was to preserve the culture of his people and encourage tourism in the land.
According to him, “Onishe Iwaji is the celebration of the harvest of new yam and eating of it (Iwaji), it comes with Thanksgiving to God Almighty for the bounty of harvests. However, more importantly, we are thanking God for peace which is what Iwaji symbolizes. Peace is more honourable than fight, Iwaji is the festival of unity and peace”, Onishe Ubulu explain.
He further described the Iwaji Festival of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom as a festival of reconciliation and reconstruction and more importantly of purging and rejuvenation.
“I thank God for the human progress made by our illustrious people in this present administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, From inception of our Festival it we has been a mandate of peace and tranquility”, Onishe affirmed.
Also in his address of welcome, Onishe Onwordi, acknowledged the presence of the five Omu’s in Anioma that grace his iwaji and their entourage and specially welcomed them
The well built and articulately fluent Onishe said, the Iwaji festival is the celebration of our rich cultural heritage that started by our fore fathers.
Also addressing the audience, HRM Obi Clement Ejiofor the, Obi of Ukala Kingdom attributed the calibre of guests that graced the festival as an exhibition of the leadership prowess of the Onishe Ezemu of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom.
According to the Obi, “Leadership is not taught in a three weeks lecture class. You have shown leadership by the way and manner you love and have supported your people, particularly your drive to preserve the culture of your forebears.
All over the world people cherish their culture and preserve their tradition. I must commend you for preserving the values that your people of Ubulu-Uku cherish.
I must say I am thrilled by the love and peace that exist with your people especially the youths and you as the traditional prime minister, of course speaking loud of character for honoring the Iwaji as the symbol of your Festival
If you had organized this festival and your people did not attend, then you are not recognised as the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. But you are here, and look at the mammoth crowd, it shows how much you are loved by your people. I must encourage you to continue to carry the youths along in every of your decision
From a sincere heart, I want to also advise the Ubulu-Uku people to continue to accord reverence to their king. He is the symbol of your existence and the reason for your hope.”
