It was a glamorous gathering at the residence of Chief Onwordi James Asika Ibori, the Onishe Ezemu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, as he celebrated the 2025 Iwaji New Yam Festival in grand style.
The festival attracted a large turnout of cultural enthusiasts, traditional rulers, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Ubulu-Uku in the diaspora. The occasion was colourful, featuring rich cultural dances, masquerade displays, and parades of traditionalists.
The ceremony began with customary rites at the Onishe’s residence in Akwu Quarters, where over 10 traditional rulers and special guests paid homage to the Onishe Ezemu. After the breaking of kolanut, sharing of palm wine, and other rituals, the celebration moved to the open ground of his residence where cultural performances were held.
The special guest of honour, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, led an entourage of traditional rulers to the event. Also in attendance was the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Thank God Harry Trakiriowel, alongside other notable guests.
Speaking with journalists, the Onishe Ezemu explained that the Iwaji Festival symbolises peace, thanksgiving, and unity.
“Onishe Iwaji is the celebration of the harvest of new yams. It comes with thanksgiving to God for bounty and, more importantly, for peace. Peace is more honourable than fight; Iwaji is the festival of unity and peace,” he said.
He further described the 2025 edition of the festival as a season of reconciliation, rejuvenation, and rebuilding.
“I thank God for the human progress made by our people under the present administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. From inception, this festival has been about peace and tranquillity,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Onishe acknowledged the presence of the five Omus in Anioma who graced the festival with their entourages, stressing that the Iwaji remains a strong celebration of Ubulu-Uku’s cultural heritage handed down by the forefathers.
Also addressing the gathering, HRM Obi Clement Ejiofor, the Obi of Ukala Kingdom, praised the Onishe for his leadership and efforts to preserve culture.
“Leadership is not taught in three weeks. You have shown leadership in the way you love and support your people, particularly in preserving the culture of your forebears,” Obi Ejiofor said.
“If you had organised this festival and your people did not attend, then you are not recognised. But look at the crowd here today—it shows how much you are loved.”
The monarch urged the people of Ubulu-Uku to continue supporting their king and the Onishe, noting that respect for traditional institutions brings communal peace and progress.
The festival featured classic performances by chiefs, elders, women, and youths. Palm wine tappers (Ote Nkwu) brought fresh palm wine for the Onishe’s blessing, while hunters presented grasscutters. Women presented gifts, and youths roasted yams on site, which the Onishe later cut and shared.
The high point of the day was the ceremonial cutting and eating of the new yam (Iwaji) by the Onishe and his Diokpa, symbolising thanksgiving and the start of the harvest season. The event closed with the Onishe dancing alongside visiting Monarchs, Obi’s representing different quarters of Asaba, which includes Obi Mohammed Elunor, Obi Benibe Ugboko, accompanied by the Omus of Onicha Ugbokpa and Ogwashi-Uku, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo, Omu Queensly Uzoka and Omu Edith Rafua, Omu of Onicha Ugbo, Omu of Obomkpa, respectively; and others representing in the entourage.
The 2025 Iwaji Festival of Ubulu-Uku was a celebration of peace, culture, and unity—further cementing the Onishe’s role as custodian of tradition and the pride of his people.
