Aka Ji Ofor Ogwugwu Urudunu
…As traditional rites, communal thanksgiving highlight festival in Ifite Oraifite
By Akuma Ebere
The ancient Ogwugwu Urudunu shrine, nestled in Ifite Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, came alive recently as it hosted a colourful edition of the annual Emume Iri Ji (New Yam Festival), drawing dignitaries and well-wishers from within and beyond the community.
The revered shrine, a custodian of Oraifite’s ancestral heritage, is presently administered by the oldest member of the community ,a role actively represented by Traditional Doctor/Chief Chinonso Ezimuo (Ezinwa Anaedo ,Aka Ji Ofor Ogwugwu Urudunu), who currently assists his father in overseeing its affairs.
Addressing guests at the festival, T/D Ezinwa Anaedo described the New Yam Festival as a sacred period set aside to express gratitude to the deities and the land for a successful farming season. He reaffirmed the shrine’s commitment to cultural transparency, stating that their practices are open and focused on preserving Igbo tradition and heritage.
“There is nothing hidden in what we do. We are simply promoting our fathers’ heritage and the cultural values that bind us as a people,” he declared.
Held at Okwu Ogwugwu Urudunu, the festival featured traditional rites, thanksgiving, and cultural displays. Notable personalities in attendance included Chief Chikodili Ibeh, Rampad, Chief Chekwube Obiadada from Nteje, Ogbuefi Omereora from Nnewi, and T/D Nnoko from Oraifite, among others.
Guests expressed their joy and commended the event as a moment of reflection and gratitude. They praised the efforts of T/D Ezinwa Anaedo in preserving the sanctity of the shrine and urged continued support for his service.
“We thank the gods for a fruitful harvest and pray for long life to witness many more celebrations,” one of the guests remarked.
In his closing remarks, T/D Ezinwa Anaedo expressed deep appreciation to the community, in-laws, friends, and guests for their presence. He prayed for sustained peace, unity, and divine blessings upon all.
The festival reaffirmed Ogwugwu Urudunu’s place as a cultural beacon in Oraifite, promoting values of gratitude, heritage and communal identity.
