Ogbunka's Ihejioku Festival: A Celebration of Harvest and Heritage

Igwe Chimere Eze Nka I, leads the community in traditional ceremonies, uniting the town in the spirit of abundance and cultural pride.
By Ifedi Okeke, Aguata News Media
In the serene town of Ogbunka, located in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, the annual Ihejioku festival, a significant cultural celebration marking the new yam ceremony, was held on August 30, 2024. The event, steeped in tradition, was presided over by His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. (Amb) Johnmark Anyaoha, Igwe Chimere Eze Nka I of Ogbunka, at his palace.
Ihejioku, a revered festival in the cultural calendar of the Ogbunka people, heralds the bountiful harvest of yam tubers and marks the official commencement of yam sales and celebrations across the town. The festival brings together the five villages that make up Ogbunka: Awuka, Isiokpo, Agballa, Akuoba, and Umunobe, in a vibrant display of unity, culture, and gratitude for the year's harvest.
The ceremony began with the traditional breaking of kola nuts by Igwe Dr. Johnmark Anyaoha. The Igwe, flanked by his cabinet, offered prayers for the prosperity and well-being of his people. Following the prayers, representatives from each village, alongside youth groups and members of the planning committee, paid homage to the traditional ruler. The gesture, laden with gifts, underscored the deep respect and loyalty the people of Ogbunka have for their king.
A highlight of the celebration was the symbolic cutting and sharing of the roasted yam by the traditional ruler. Igwe Anyaoha, after blessing the yam, partook of it with a specially prepared sauce made from local ingredients-palm oil, Ukpaka (fermented oil bean seeds), and Utazi (Gongronema latifolium). This act, steeped in tradition, was a public acknowledgment of the year's harvest. Leaders and representatives of various villages and special groups were then invited to partake in the yam, symbolizing unity and the communal nature of the festival.
To further enhance the celebration, the traditional ruler donated tubers of yams and cash gifts to all the villages and special groups, ensuring that the spirit of sharing and togetherness was felt throughout the community. This gesture was followed by a series of cultural performances, including masquerade displays, traditional dances, and live band performances, which added a colourful and vibrant atmosphere to the occasion.
Speaking to the press, Igwe Anyaoha expressed his gratitude to the people of Ogbunka and extended his best wishes for the community's continued prosperity. He also highlighted the philanthropic efforts of his foundation, which has provided significant support to the community in various forms. The Igwe reiterated his commitment to doing more for his people, ensuring that Ogbunka continues to thrive.
The Ihejioku festival of 2024 was not only a celebration of the yam harvest but also a reaffirmation of the rich cultural heritage and unity of the Ogbunka people. As the festival came to a close, the community looked forward to another year of abundance and prosperity, anchored by their enduring traditions and the benevolence of their leaders.
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Nice one good people keep it up and mother bless you people