Owerri-West monarchs to headline Igbatu O ba Ji festival

It will be a showcase of culture and tradition, as indigenes of Owerri-West Council of Imo State celebrate the second edition of Igbatu Oba Ji Festival this month.

The festival, as old as the communities that make up the area, celebrates the unlocking of yam barns from farm yields before commencement of a new farming season.

The festival, which had gone into extinction following the adverse effects of the Civil War, was revived last year after President Generals of the 21 communities that make up the Owerri-West hosted the maiden edition at the headquarters of the council in Umuguma.

Interestingly, following the successful outing of last year, traditional rulers in the area under the aegis of Owerri-West Council of Traditional Rulers have taking it upon themselves to headline this edition also holding in Umuguma.

The festival planning committee, chaired by Eze Lucky Okoro of Eziobodo is working tirelessly to put the festival on the cultural map of the country.

Other members of the festival planning committee include, Eze Sir Lucky Ajoku of Ihiagwa kingdom, Eze E.C. Ekwelibe of Irete kingdom and Eze R.N Osuji of Eziokele Kingdom. Meanwhile, the traditional rulers have said they are ready to partner with corporate bodies and individuals to make this year’s festival a huge success.

For Eze G.I Ejimogu, Chairman, Council of Owerri-West Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Owerri Zone Traditional Rulers, the revival of the festival will help to encourage the people to go back to farming.

The festival will kick off on Friday, with the preparation of the yam barn that will be unveiled on the grand finale. It will also witness different cultural dances and displays to be facilitated by the 21 communities in the area in addition to featuring the Omenimo Dance Troupe.