The rich cultural heritage of the people of Ogwashi Uku kingdom was reenacted yesterday at the 2023 Ineh Festival by the Iyase of Ogwashi Uku Kingdom. High Chief Mike Nwaukoni.
The ceremony which attracted a cross section of people fom all works of life was preceded by visits to the Iyase by critical stakeholders of the Kingdom including the leaders of Agidiase Community, family members and various strata of the kingdom and different dance groups from across neighbouring communities and beyond.
After several performance by different groups, the Chief Celebrant accompanied by his wife commenced what could best be described as a carnival procession from the Iyase’s palace to the ancient Ogwashi – Uku Palace where he paid obeisance to fallen kings of the kingdom particularly Late Obi Izediunor 11 who conferred the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom title on him in 2004.
The procession which started at about 2pm ended three hours later with showers of blessing from above. The rain did not take the shine off the significance of the festival as Chief Nwaukoni flanked by his wife marched through the streets of Ogwashi – Uku to the ancestral palace (Ogbe – Nti – Obi) and Oshukwu shrine to underscore the significance and value added chain of the festival to the people’s live.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, High Chief Nwaukoni said the Ineh festival is one of the most important ceremonies in the kingdom to appreciate God for his bountiful blessings at the end of the farming season.
He commended the resilience, sacrifice and doggedness of the people in the face of daunting challenges urging them to keep hope alive and not despair no matter the challenges they were facing.
In the same vein, the Secretary General of Ogwashi – Uku Development Union world Wide, Mazi Adigwe Elue said the festival was unique way of re-establishing the rich cultural identity of the people .
The festival was graced by a former commissioner in the state, Chief Fred Majemite who hailed the performance of the Ineh Festival by High Chief Mike Nwaukoni on a yearly basis adding that the contributions of the celebrant to the socio– economic and infrastructural development of Ogwashi – Uku was unparalleled in the history of the kingdom.
The ceremony was a huge success and reminder that the culture of the people should be sustained from generation to generation.