PROCLAMATION OF OGWU EKPEYE (EPKEYE NEW YAM FESTIVAL 2020)
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the Ogwu Ekpeye Festival is celebrated before the new yam is consumed and held in great respect and celebrated with fun fair amidst cultural displays, folk lores, visitation among other traditional rites annually.
As the tradition demands Igbu Ubie kingdom is the custodian of the culture and traditions of Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality as the ancestral home of the Ekpeye people. Therefore, our duty is to maintain the status quo by imbibing and encouraging peaceful co-exitence among our people and to uphold the Ekpeye customs and traditions with love, unity and sincerity, I will not be a party to destroy Ekpeye customs and tradition and also advise my colleagues to embrace the path of peace.
Keeping to my prayers above, on behalf of myself, Owhor holders, Ubie Council of Elders, Igbu Ubie council of traditional rulers and Chiefs and the good people of Igbu Ubie kingdom, both Home and in Diaspora. I wish to announce / proclaim the Celebration of Ogwu Ekpeye ( New Yaw at Ula Ubie town the ancestral home of Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality today 8th September, 2020.
Prior to the date, the folk lore night shall hold on 17th September, 2020 while the fixing of palm 🌴 fronds (UWA-OK OMU) for the spiritual cleansing across all communities shall commence on 18th September 2020, festival day (IZI OGWU) proper is on 22th September, 2020.
This event shall be celebrated in accordance with the Government directives on COVID-19 guideline as strict Maintenance of at least 1 meter (3feet) distance between each others to avoid liquid droplets from the mouth or nose if an infected victim which may spread rapidly.
I also wish to advise Ekpeye people to avoid crowded places and restriction of physical contact. Therefore, all celebrants should adhere strictly to social distancing and the use of nose mash.
Most importantly, Ekpeye people are cautioned to avoid stealing, fighting, kidnapping, cultic activities and other social vices, as those who shall practice such, shall not live to meet another year festival, as announced by the deities.
As we observe the above guideline I wish every Sons and daughters of Ekpeye Land a successful Ogwu Ekpeye Celebration..
Signed by
HM, Eze Hon. Okpokiri A. Maxwell (JP), Eze Igbu Ubie IV
