…community marks traditional new year with cultural display, Ishu Onicha ceremony
By Patrick Ochei
Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, came alive on September 5, 2026, as more than 20 traditional rulers from various kingdoms gathered to honour His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, JP, MNSE, during the 20th edition of the Ine Aho Festival.
The annual cultural celebration, which marked the traditional new year of the Issele-Uku people, featured a rich display of customs and rituals preserved over generations.
Obi Nduka received the visiting monarchs at the palace before leading them to Ezi Ogwa for the Ime Uje ceremony.
In his festival message, the monarch expressed gratitude to God and the ancestors for what he described as a favourable traditional new year, marked by abundant harvests and prosperity in the community.
He noted that the successful agricultural season, particularly the harvest of new yam, was a reflection of the blessings enjoyed by the people.
The monarch also highlighted progress in human capital development and infrastructure, attributing the community’s advancement to the prevailing peace, unity and cooperation among the people.
Obi Nduka commended the Delta State Government for ongoing road projects in Issele-Uku, including the DEFFRI Road, Ogboli Road, Issele-Uku/Idumuje-Unor Road and NYSC Road, as well as the completed reconstruction of the Issele-Uku entrance road from the expressway.
He assured the state government of the community’s continued support for its peace, security and development agenda.
The visiting traditional rulers were treated to the Ine Onyimi, popularly known as the Festival of Joy, one of the major cultural expressions associated with Issele-Uku.
The royal guests included the Obi of Ugboba Kingdom and Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nkebakwu Emmanuel Ezedimbu III; Obi of Issele-Mkpitime, HRM Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli; Obi of Idumuogo, HRM Obi Samuel Otiegede; Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko, HRM Obi Chukwunonso Oreze Nwoko; Obi of Ogodor, HRM Obi Sunday Olisenweokwu; Obi of Ubulubu, HRM Obi Charles Ikechukwu Abiagom; and Obi of Obomkpa, HRM Obi Onyemaechi Josiah Kanyinaga I.
Other royal guests included the Agadagidi of Umunede, HRM Agadagidi Collins Ezenwali; Obi of Ubulu-Okiti, HRM Obi Michael Osemedua Isichei; Obi of Akumazi, HRM Obi Henry Ezeagwukpo Jegbefume; Gbesa 1 of Operemor, HRM King Dr. Ekioemi Oweiagbe John; Ovie of Arhavwarien, HRM Solomon Akporhiere Onojeta Okukeren III; Ovie of Ogor, HRM Okiemute Onajite Igere I; and Nna-Obodo of Akwukwu-Igbo, Chief (Dr.) Newton Jibunoh, among others.
During the Ine Onyimi, Obi Nduka performed the Inaka rites alongside the Onotu chiefs, in a ceremony that further showcased the traditional structures and customs of the kingdom.
Among the chiefs who participated were the Iyase of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Innocent Etenmua Ashiedu; Ozah of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Victor Isiekwenamgbu; Akogwu Omeanya, Chief Francis Ijei; Okwalegwe, Chief (Prof.) John Ochei; Esogba, Chief Fidelis Jigide; and Oloto, Chief Ignatius Memeh.
Later in the evening, the Igbu Agbo ceremony was performed as part of the festival activities.
The ritual, characterised by a warlike performance symbolising courage and the expulsion of evil, was aimed at ushering in blessings, prosperity and a peaceful traditional year.
The festival series climaxed on Friday, September 11, with the Ishu Onicha ceremony, during which the final public sacrifice of the traditional new yam season was performed.
Clad in red royal regalia, Obi Nduka led prayers and traditional rites at the Onicha shrine, accompanied by Olimgba drummers and Egwu Issoh/Imanoba dancers.
The cultural performance continued despite the rain, as the monarch participated in the royal dance, drawing a strong response from the gathering.
Seated on the Ukpo, the Idime chiefs appeared according to their hierarchy to pay obeisance to the monarch and receive royal blessings.
The Osodi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Sunday Monyei, led the procession, followed by the UK-based Ideh, Chief (Barr.) Anthony Nwabuotu; Osoezebi, Chief Nwakaife Ezieshi; Ojugbana, Chief (Prof.) Patrick Osiegbu; Obazuaye, Chief (Engr.) Onyeabor Nwabah; and Uweh-Obi, Chief Augustine Uche Maha.
The chiefs who participated in the Inaka ceremony also took turns exchanging traditional greetings with the Ogbeleani of Issele-Uku, Diokpa Okonkwo Isimchei.
The Okpalabisis of the various villages that make up Issele-Uku were also present beside the Ogbeleani, performing their traditional roles as titled elders of the community.
