By Patrick Ochei
The Ogbeleani of Issele-Uku and highest-ranking Okpalabisi, Diokpa Okonkwo Isimchei, has called for greater unity among traditional custodians of the kingdom’s culture and heritage.
Diokpa Isimchei made the call on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during the celebration of his New Yam Festival, Iwaji Ikpala, also known as Igbu Awai, in Issele-Uku, Delta State.
He stressed the need for custodians of the kingdom’s traditions to work together in preserving its cultural values, ancestral practices and identity for present and future generations.
As part of the celebration, Diokpa Isimchei offered prayers for the continued peace, prosperity and wellbeing of Issele-Uku, as well as for the kingdom’s traditional ruler, Agbogidi Obi Nduka.
He expressed gratitude to God and the ancestors for the leadership of Obi Nduka, whom he described as a monarch committed to cultural preservation, peace and the unity of the people.
The Ogbeleani also observed the traditional rites associated with the Iwaji Ikpala ceremony, beginning with the Otite before proceeding to the Awai, after which food was served to guests and participants.
The celebration provided an opportunity for members of the traditional institution and other stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the customs and traditions that define the identity of Issele-Uku.
In a related development, our crew visited the residences of the Iyase of Issele-Uku, Eze Dibie of Issele-Uku, the Akogwu of Issele-Uku, and other prominent custodians of the kingdom’s cultural heritage, who also marked the Iwaji Ikpala in their respective capacities as Okpala Issei.
The various celebrations underscored the enduring place of the New Yam Festival in the cultural life of Issele-Uku and the importance of collective efforts in transmitting the kingdom’s heritage to succeeding generations.
