Plans are underway for Ine-Aho, the annual cultural and traditional festival celebrated by the people of Issele-Mkpitime in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The community is buzzing with excitement, adorned with large banners placed in key spots to announce the festival. Many sons and daughters of the area have returned from various places to take part in the celebrations.
The Issele-Mkpitime Royal Palace, where the main festival events will take place, has been freshly painted, and the road leading up to it has been repaired and improved.
Speaking to reporters at his palace, the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Agbogidi Obi Sunday Ogboli, shared his overwhelming joy and enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.
Obi Ogboli assured that the festival is entirely peaceful, emphasizing that it’s all about celebration and giving thanks. He also extended a warm royal invitation to all sons and daughters of the community, as well as the general public, to join him in celebrating his first Ine-Aho festival during his reign.
Speaking as well, Chief Lawrence Njiokwu, the Iyase of Issele-Mkpitime, said that everything is set for a successful and peaceful Ine-Aho. He explained that the festival follows a specific process, which they have been carefully observing ahead of the main event scheduled for Saturday, October 4.
Chief Njiokwu also shared that, in keeping with local tradition, the Obi has led the people of Issele-Mkpitime through a five-day period of sanctification in preparation for the festival.
“It started on Wednesday, the 29th of September, and will end in the morning of Saturday, the 4th of October. The end of the period of sanctification signifies the commencement of the Ine-Aho. The festival is always a period of intense joy and celebration for all in our community,” the Iyase, who is the traditional prime minister and head of all High Chiefs, said
Hon. Chief Krees Njiokwuemeni, the Isama Issei and Onu-Obi of Issele-Mkpitime, explained the festival’s process, highlighting that it’s also a celebration of the community’s rich cultural heritage. He shared that on Saturday morning, the Obi will lead his High Chiefs especially the Iyase under the guidance of the Community’s High Priest to Abunor, where they will offer prayers. This will be followed by gunshots signaling the end of the sanctification period and officially kicking off the festival.
As the chairman of the annual festival committee, Hon. Chief Krees Njiokwuemeni revealed that the second part of the festival begins at noon. That’s when sons, daughters, and guests are expected to gather at the Palace. The kingdom’s chiefs, accompanied by their families, will dance from their quarters to the Palace to show their loyalty to the King through traditional and cultural performances, while the King sits proudly on his throne.
Njiokwuemeni, who also served as Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, explained that the High Chiefs will perform their traditional allegiance first. The Obi will then take a short break for about 30 minutes. When he returns to his throne, the administrative (“Idime”) Chiefs, led by the Ozoma, will pay their homage.
He assured that everything has been put in place to ensure the festival runs smoothly, gloriously, and without violence. He emphasized that the event is a chance to unite members of the community both local and abroad and to propel Issele-Mkpitime toward greater peace and prosperity.
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