By Osiberoha Osibe, Awka
The ancient city of Awka came alive on Saturday as residents celebrated the annual Imoka Festival, one of the most revered cultural events in the state.
The festival, celebrated by the 33 villages of Awka, is rooted in the community’s traditional lunar calendar and honours the Imoka deity, believed to have protected Awka people from ancient attacks through sacred monkeys regarded as totems till today.
Four days before the festival, masquerades and youths from the 32 villages traditionally trekked to Umuokpu village to officially announce the celebration, continuing a long-standing custom symbolizing unity and brotherhood.
The event attracted indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora despite earlier controversy over the proposed postponement of the festival by the Anambra State Government due to a clash with APGA National Assembly primaries.
Following protests by Awka indigenes, the state government later approved the original May 23 date after receiving assurances from community leaders on peaceful conduct.
Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Chief Don Onyenji Udoji, warned against road blockage, violence, harassment, and the use of dangerous weapons during the celebration.
Similarly, the Anambra State Police Command intensified security across Awka and other parts of the state ahead of the festival and political activities. Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu urged residents and participants to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security operatives.
Traditional leaders also linked the muddy rainfall witnessed during the opening activities to the symbolic arrival of the Ezu river deity from Ugwuoba community in Enugu State, believed to participate spiritually in the festival.
Meanwhile, the 2026 edition of the festival was overshadowed by the recent death of prominent Awka traditionalist and youth leader, Chief Tochukwu Nwokoye, who played a key role in sustaining the festival’s traditional rites.
Tags: Imoka Festival, Awka, Anambra State, Culture, Masquerades, APGA Primaries, Nigerian Tradition, Security, Tourism, Igbo Culture
