By Onwukwe Ezeru, Abia
The traditional ruler of Dim na Opara Autonomous Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Wisdom Ekueku, has said that Ekpe Festival in Ogbodi is not fetish. He said that it was a cultural festival celebrated annually to thank God for keeping them alive as well as acting as a symbol of unity.
Eze Ekueku made the explanation in his palace during the 2016 Ekpe festival. “It is the history of the people and their way of life. Ekpe festival is a cultural festival that brings the community together. Before, it was believed to be used to worship idols but with Christianity, it has been modernized and both Christians and non-Christians practice and observe it”. The royal father said that he had before the day of celebration sensitized his subjects and youths against carrying offensive weapons that could cause problem during the festival, warming that any defaulter will be duly sanctioned. “Ekpe festival had always been celebrated under a peaceful atmosphere”, he said.
Contributing, the Eze-elect of Umuopara Autonomous Community, Chief Chukwu Nwachukwu, described Ekpe festival as not fetish and enjoined youths to embrace and participate in the activities.
“Our forefathers started it and we will continue to observe it. I am a member of Assemblies of God Church. If it is fetish, I would not participate and my church would have sacked me. It has no evil background,” he said.
