Iriji Umuna 2025: Eze Okwara Blends Culture with Tradition

… Says it is a festival of legacy, peace, unity

In an atmosphere of traditional glamour and celebration of Igbo rich cultural heritage, the Umuna ancient Kingdom in Orlu local government area of Imo State once agian radiated with splendour as it hosted one of the colorful cultural festivities in recent history.

The symbolic Emume Iriji ohuru (new yam festival) a celebration of bountiful harvest, unity, and tradition unfolded with grandeur last Sunday 31st August, 2025 , at the Ishi-Obi Egedeokpu, Umuna Ancient Palace under the traditional leadership of Eze Dr. Douglas Okwara (Okwarachukwu IV).

A festival which transcended the bounds of a mere cultural showcase— a sacred covenant of gratitude, sustained legacy, and divine season when the traditional ruler, members of his royal cabinet, and illustrious sons and daughters of Umuna poured out their hearts in thanksgiving to God Almighty for His unfailing love, protection, and overflowing blessings.

Beyond ritual and festivity, the Iriji stood as a living monument of heritage, unveiling to the world the profound beauty of Umuna’s age-long tradition and cultural pride.

As the custom, the annual event began with a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Orlu, ushering in open heavens of blessings and reverent atmosphere before the festival properly kick-started by 1:pm.

What followed was a vivid tapestry of Igbo heritage brought to life: Egwu mgba (wrestling dances) showcasing strength and tradition, spirited mmanwu masquerade performances invoking ancestral spirits in dramatic costumes, and the majestic Egwu ukwu (royal dances) symbolizing reverence and royal majesty all choreographed in harmonious celebration of communal identity.

In his address, the Imo State governor, His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodimma, represented by His Royal Majesty , Eze Cletus Illumoanya CON, described the occasion as “a living testament to the potency of tradition in cementing unity and elevating the human spirit, especially as we advance in modern governance.”

With his charm, intimidating height, and good oratory, while exuding loyalty in expensive traditional regalia, Okwara alongside his wife Ugoeze Grace Okwara, Ph.D reflected: “Iri Ji Ohuru is our covenant with the land and our ancestors; a resurgence of identity that nourishes our past as it inspires our future.”

In his place as a royal father, he blessed the land, the people gathered, and his kingdom to live to eat Ji Ohuru (new yam) of next year.

This year’s edition was truly extraordinary as sons and daughters of Umuna, from across Nigeria and in the diaspora, came back to their ancestral roots with joy and reverence, renewing their unbreakable bond with the land of their forefathers.

The kingdom came alive as the royal arena welcomed distinguished traditional rulers, eminent political leaders, captains of industry, cultural icons, and well-wishers from far and near all united in the celebration of Umuna’s enduring legacy.”

The epoch- making cultural event had in attendance the auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Thomas Obiatuegwu, captains of industry, Orlu diasporas, political gladiators such as Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and Rt. Hon. CaniceMoor Nwachukwu (Orlu Federal) who came with their individual gifts to present to HRM Eze (Dr.) Douglas Okwara as over 12 cows were received.

As succinctly captured by Njoku Macdonald Obinna; a Nigerian serial media entrepreneur. the festival is a highly dignified gesture that further elevated the festival’s significance, asserting the seamless fusion of indigenous culture and contemporary leadership.

Among the prominent dignitaries who graced the festival were: Eze Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu (Co-Chairman, Southern Council of Traditional Rulers), Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Obi . Mbano LGA, Eze G. Ejiogu, Kara of Umunakara, Hon. Chief Cosmos Maduba, Odenigbo I of Umuna (Imo State Commissioner of Agriculture),
Nze Geoffrey Orisakwe Duru, Okenwanwa of Umuna, Eze Chris Agbugha, Orjiwuru Obodo of Anara (Chairman, Isiala Mbano Council of Traditional Rulers),Eze Eunan Eke, Eze Oforegbu, Okwaraorji III of Amucha Ancient Kingdom,Eze Geoffrey Okoro, Traditional Ruler of Upe Autonomous Community, Eze Emmanuel Assor, Odozi Obodo I of Awara, Ohaji-Egbema, Eze Joe Ike, Obi of Ugiri (Ekeshi Mgbaja IV), Umuneke-Ugiri, Isiala Mbano, Eze Onuoha, Ohanyere II of Okrikama/Umugwa Autonomous Community, Eze Jude Chidi Nwaogu, Chidiebube I of Egbelu Obube, Owerri North LGA (Chairman, Owerri North Council of Traditional Rulers), Eze Ahamefule, Durugwuegbu IV of Duruoha Oboro Amurie Kingdom, Uzunakpigwe, Isu LGA, High Chief Tony Anuforo, President, G-36 Social Club and members, Eze Emmanuel Assor, Odozi Obodo of Assa Kingdom, Ohaji (Chairman, Ohaji/Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers; National Secretary, TROMPCON), Eze Vitus Uchenna Kasa (Okwadike), Assa II of Assa Ngugo, Ikeduru LGA, a host of traditional masquerades and cultural troupes who thrilled the arena with breathtaking displays.

The royal carnival of colours, sounds, and sacred rites was more than a feast for the eyes it was a resounding proclamation of Umuna’s status as a beacon of unity, peace, cultural pride, and progress in Imo State and beyond.

Indeed, 2025 Iriji Umuna was not just a festival; it was a glorious symphony of heritage and royalty, a timeless celebration of thanksgiving, and a majestic reaffirmation of communal strength.