In the heart of Delta State, Nigeria, lies the Amai Kingdom, a land rich in traditions and culture. One of the biggest celebrations in this kingdom is the Ikenga Festival, an event filled with music, dance, and exciting performances. Every year, people travel from different parts of the country to join in the festivities, reconnect with family, and honour their heritage.
This year, the Ishikaguma Clan celebrated the 2025 Ikenga Festival in a grand way, making it a memorable event for everyone who attended. From traditional dances to colorful masquerades and even dramatic gorilla performances, the festival was a true display of culture and unity.
Why the Ikenga Festival is Important
The Ikenga Festival is more than just fun and dancing. It is an important event that marks the beginning of a new farming season. Before farmers start planting their crops, they take time to celebrate, pray, and seek blessings for a successful harvest. This break from farming allows the entire community to come together and enjoy the festival for a full one month.
But there is another important part of the festival: a special cleansing ritual. In Amai Kingdom, it is believed that if a married woman is unfaithful to her husband, she must be cleansed during the Ikenga Festival before she can continue living with him. This tradition is taken very seriously because the community believes that if a woman is not cleansed, bad things might happen to her husband.
How the Cleansing Ritual Works
Before the festival begins, the Okpala (the eldest man in the community) meets with the five Ada (eldest women from the five clans: Amai Nge, Umubu, Ishikaguma, Umuosele, and Umuekum). These women identify and report any woman who has cheated on her husband. The Okpala then informs the gods of the land, officially opening the festival.
During the festival, songs are created using the names of these women. The same is done for men who have been caught with underage girls. These songs are sung in public, serving as a warning to others about the consequences of such actions.
A Time to Reunite
Since the festival lasts for a whole month, many people who live outside Amai Kingdom take the opportunity to return home. It is a time for family reunions, reconnecting with friends, and celebrating cultural heritage.
Chukwudi Ossai, an indigene from the Ishikaguma Clan, expressed his excitement:
“Ikenga Festival is a time of joy for everyone. People travel from different places to celebrate with us. The festival means many things—unity, tradition, and happiness. We thank God for today, and we hope next year’s festival will be even better.”
Another community member, Benjamin Onyan, added:
“There is peace in the community—no fights, no problems. Everyone is happy and celebrating together. Today is called ‘Uwurie’ (Action Day), and it is a special time for the Amai Kingdom.”
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Home
Some people from Amai Kingdom do not return home often because they fear superstitions or believe the village is unsafe. But those who live in the community say otherwise.
Benjamin Onyan encouraged people to come back and invest in their hometown:
“Many of our people prefer to build houses in the cities instead of here in Amai. But the truth is, the community is peaceful, and we are happy. We invite them to return home and be part of this great festival.”
Eyande, another festival attendee, shared a similar message:
“Some are afraid of witches and wizards, but we live here and nothing bad has happened to us. The gods of our land protect us, both at home and abroad. We should not be afraid to celebrate our traditions.”
Keeping Traditions Alive
The Ikenga Festival is more than a celebration—it is a way for the people of Amai Kingdom to stay connected to their roots, pass down their traditions, and strengthen their sense of unity. Every year, the festival grows bigger, ensuring that the culture remains strong for future generations.
As the festival ended, the Ishikaguma Clan and the entire Amai Kingdom looked forward to another joyful celebration next year, keeping their traditions alive and their spirits high.
