AFTER 35 years of no king, Orsumoghu, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area finally broke the deadlock of celebrating the New Yam Festival with a king.
The celebration attracted crowds, masquerades, dancers and other royal personell from neighboring towns ..
Reacting to the festival, the president General of Orsumoghu, Ide Chika Dennis Muomaife, could not hide his joy.
“Our community has not been happy without a king for a long time. It has been my prayer to give this community a king; that has been my priority since I was appointed the president general in 2017. Formerly, the neighboring Igwe do come to break kola for us before we start our festival but that was not the case this year. That’s why it is special”
Igwe Pharm Elochukwu Mbanefo, Ozuruoha 2 of Orsumohu was seen in his traditional regalia in the festival.
Having been appointed on May 5, 2020, the monarch reminded Orsumoghu of the significance of the New Yam Festival.
While addressing the press, he said,” I thank God and my people for deeming me worthy of being their king. This year’s celebration is different as our festivals do take place either in school field, village square or market square, but now, it was hosted in the palace. All glory belongs to God for it is an honor on my part.”
Igwe Elochukwu also said that he had not forgotten the promises he made to his people as he would fulfill them to the best of his ability,
Chief Chris Ezenyimulu, an ichie in the igwe’s cabinent stated that the New Yam Festival was one of the best compared to recent years; fact being that it is an honour on his part.
He said, “ I am greatful to God, the igwe and my people for finding me worthy in the inclusion of the cabinet of the igwe after 35 years. Since the demise of the Ozuroha 1 of Orsumohu, the town union has been the one organising the New Yam Festival.”
Ichie Linus Mmaduagwu, another ichie in the the igwe’s cabinent was also grateful for being included in the cabinet.
“We are optimistic that our Igwe can move this town forward. As you can see, we have gathered crowds here. They came here to come and celebrate the festival. Some returned from other countries which we hardly witness because of no igwe, so it is a positive sign that things will get better.”
MD/CEO of ANPC, Sir Chuka Nnabuife was present and wished the Igwe well on his royal journey.
