HRM Eze Elder Abel Ogbonna Ezechukwu Celebrates ‘Iwa Ji’ in Grand Style

HRM Eze Elder Abel Ogbonna Ezechukwu Celebrates ‘Iwa Ji’ in Grand Style

…Confers Prestigious Chieftaincy Title on Kingsley Onyemaechi Jeremiah Ndudim Ikpo

The magnificent palace of HRM Eze Elder Abel Ogbonna Ezechukwu, the Ezechimere of Opara na Nkaru Awa Autonomous Community, Ohuhu clan, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, came alive on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as he hosted the community’s annual ‘Iwa Ji’ (New Yam Festival) with unprecedented pomp.

The popular cultural event, celebrated across Igboland every year, drew traditional rulers from the Ohuhu clan, members of the Chiefs-in-Council, illustrious sons and daughters of the community from within Nigeria and the Diaspora, as well as friends and well-wishers.

The occasion was chaired by HRM Eze Charles Nguli under the remarkable coordination of Super High Chief Okeosisi Harbour (JP), a celebrated master of ceremonies in Abia State and the Traditional Prime Minister of Ajata na Igu in Ikwuano LGA.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Elijah Irozuru, PhD, Senior Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church, Umuawa Alabeke. He thanked God for a fruitful harvest and prayed for a joyous celebration.

In his welcome address, the host, HRM Eze Elder Abel Ogbonna Ezechukwu, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting it was proof that his people are proud of their cultural heritage.

He described yam as the “king of crops” in Igboland, stressing that the New Yam Festival serves as both thanksgiving to God and a platform to unite the people and chart a new course for community development.

The Ezechimere, an erudite educationist and revered traditional ruler, commended the Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers led by HRM Eze Charles Nguli, alongside other dignitaries, for gracing the occasion.

A major highlight was the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title ‘Eru Ugo I’ of Opara na Nkaru Awa Autonomous Community on Kingsley Onyemaechi Jeremiah Ndudim Ikpo, an illustrious son of Umuezereola Umuawa.

HRM Eze Ezechukwu praised the London-based business mogul and philanthropist for his benevolence and immense contributions to community development through empowerment programmes, scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and financial support.

He described the honour as recognition of Ndudim Ikpo’s “unparalleled philanthropy, service to humanity, and commitment to the development of the community.”

The conferment drew thunderous applause as attendees hailed it as well-deserved.

In his acceptance remarks, Chief Kingsley Ndudim Ikpo, accompanied by his wife Uchenna (decorated as Ugwudiya) and their children, expressed profound gratitude to the traditional ruler and community.

He pledged to remain a worthy ambassador of his people, assuring that the title would spur him to greater service to the community and beyond.

His wife, visibly elated, thanked the community for the recognition and promised they would not disappoint them.

Their children, Chijioke and Virtue Ijeoma Uchechi, also shared their excitement, expressing pride in their heritage and in their father’s honour.

After the conferment, the much-anticipated ‘Iwa Ji’ ceremony commenced.

Drawing from Exodus 23:16, Rev. Elijah Irozuru emphasized the biblical significance of harvest thanksgiving and the central place of yam in Igbo culture.

He commended HRM Eze Ezechukwu for extending love to widows by gifting them wrappers, yam tubers, and cash support, noting the gesture reflected God’s compassion.

The climax came as HRM Eze Ezechukwu, flanked by fellow traditional rulers and dignitaries, cut and blessed the roasted yam before sharing it with the people amid jubilation.

Addressing the widows, the monarch acknowledged their silent sacrifices and prayers for the community.

He urged them to always make their needs known, promising continued support.

He also announced plans to distribute yam seedlings for next year’s planting season.

Several dignitaries praised the success of the festival.

Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe (Ikpemaraeziokwu I of Opara na Nkaru Awa), a retired police superintendent, described it as a resounding success and urged the people to sustain their culture, stressing that “there is nothing fetish about it.”

Chief Igbokwe Ikechi Sunday (Ugonnaya I of Opara na Nkaru Awa) and Chief Ugochukwu Uchegbuonu (Eziokwu bu Ndu I of Umuawa Alaocha) also highlighted the cultural significance of the New Yam Festival, dismissing misconceptions of fetishism and affirming it as a proud symbol of Igbo identity.

They lauded Eze Ezechukwu’s widow-empowerment gesture as the first of its kind in the community.

The colourful festival featured cultural dances, side attractions, and merriment, with prominent guests in attendance, including: HRM Eze Amb. Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna (Obagidigidi N’Oba of Ekeoba Kingdom), HRM Eze Charles Nguli (JP), HRM Eze Chikwekwem, Hon. Chief Mrs. Ehilegbu (former Education Secretary, Ikwuano LGEA), High Chief Richard Ikpo (Awa Motors Ltd, Ohiya Mechanic Village), Royal High Chief Maduabuchi Nwoha (President General, Opara na Nkaru Autonomous Community), Royal High Chief John Ekwuribe (Chairman, Chiefs-in-Council), Lady Obiageli Maxwell (Chairperson, Widows Prayer Team, Umuawa Alaocha), Lolo Ugochi Ukeje (Secretary, Widows Prayer Team) among others.

The 2025 edition of the New Yam Festival was, by all accounts, a remarkable success—uniting the community, celebrating heritage, and setting a new standard of cultural pride in Opara na Nkaru Awa.