Oparaukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo has performed the annual traditional rites to commence the 2021 New yam festival of Ibeku people.
Prince Apugo while addressing journalists after performing the ritual was overwhelmed with joy and advised his people to be peaceful, avoid making troubles and embrace the celebration with all respect it deserves. He also cautioned them to respect the rules of covid 19, stressing that the pandemic is still ravaging.
Apugo who is a caucus member of All Progressive Congress, APC, said his joy was extremely high because of the massive support, respect and solidarity from his people and the visitors from Akwa Ibom State who came with their full cultural display. The Oparaukwu Ibeku maintained that he is enjoying robust relationship with his people because he lives with them, share their problems and assist many of them. The community leaders emphasized that he is not living in Lagos or Abuja.
He described the tradition he performed at Egwu Ibeku as part of the culture inherited from the fore fathers and also said that Ibeku culture like the Iriji festival has been there for decades. Apugo, flanked by some of his son’s, especially the one on ash colour trasuit, Chibueze also known as “Ngwogwo” added that the renovation of Egwu Ibeku was done by those taking care of the sanctuary, informing that when he exits, another person from his family or his kindred will take over from him.
Ngwogwo, His father, BB and little prince
According to the elder statesman, the annual rituals he performed at Egwu Ibeku located at Isieke Umuajiji gives every man, son, woman, old and young from Ibeku the official permission to state eating yam.
Prince Benjamin Apugo added that yam is the king of all crops,hence, Igbos use yam to celebrate New Yam and perform other traditions. Speaking on the 30th years anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Apugo frowned that the state is lacking so many aminities like airport, good roads, portable water, hospitals, and other social aminities.
On his part, the grand Prince of Ibeku Uruan, Crown prince Cyril Michael Ekpo Umonta, who led the delegation of Akwa Ibom people, said he has the approval of their clan head, His Royal Highness, Mbosoko Ibonda, (Obong) Anthony Ekpe Asukwo with some masquerades from the palace of the king to add colour to the festival.
Prince Ekpo and his people
Prince Ekpo disclosed that the solidarity was made possible because of the cultural similarity and age long relationship dated back to 1781. He noted that Uruan people of Ibeku tribe, Uruan-Inyan Akakpo in Ibeku Uruan have common relationship with Ibeku Umuahia, adding that Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo was aware of their coming.
Highlights of the ceremony were cultural performance from Akwa Ibom masquerades and other display from Ibeku people.
