RAYMOND OZOJI reports
Umueri, acclaimed cradle of the Igbo race in the world was the cynosure of the 2025 Omambala Day Celebration held at the Otuocha township stadium, Otuocha Anambra-East Local Government Area of the state on Saturday 11th October, 2025. The historic event said to be the first of its kind after many decades of disintegrations was indeed a veritable platform for reunion, restoration and reinforcement of the region through such convivial atmosphere.
The epic cultural carnival which brought communities of the six local government areas that constituted the Omambala region showcased the rich traditions and ancestry of Anambra-East, Anambra-West, Ayamelum, Awka-North, Dunukofia and Oyi council areas as masquerades displayed esoteric dance steps while various cultural groups entertained the mammoth crowd with gusto and enthusiasm.
But the award-winning Ijele masquerade of Umueri community was the centre of attraction at the maiden Omambala cultural fiesta as other masquerades bowed before it in the midst of the frenzied atmosphere reminding all and sundry that Umueri is the progenitor of the Igbo nation.
President-General of Umueri General Assembly Chief Amb. Dr. John Metchie, who also holds the traditional titles of Ife-Omambala, Ezi-Umueri, Onowu-ASATU and a host of others, said Umueri is indeed the custodian of the Igbo culture and traditions because it still observed the Igbo calendar governed by the four market days of Orie, Afor, Nkwo and Eke respectively.
Represented by Princess Ngozi Okoye (Adaigbo), the PG stated that the Omambala cultural festival was significant and very unique because it brought the entire region back to its roots, adding that what is peculiar about Omambala people is that they have the milk of human kindness flowing in them. He said that in line with the Omambala tradition, Umueri community has kept her cultural heritage alive through Ovala, new yam festival and other native customs.
Furthermore, the traditional ruler of Umueri community, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka (Okebo II), who was one of the royal fathers on the occasion, said the occasion was significantly to celebrate the culture and traditions of Omambala people and that Umueri being the cradle and ancient city of Igbo people was at the forefront of the cultural exhibition.
Igwe Emeka who observed that Igbo culture was gradually becoming extinct, noted that the Omambala historic cultural festival was one of the ways in which Igbo culture and traditions would be revived and resuscitated, adding that Umueri community showcased her Ijele masquerade which he said was the biggest masquerade in Nigeria that participated in FESTAC 77 and won the first prize at the time.
Also crowned prince Ejikeme Nwakobi, the Akajiofor of Umueri ancient kingdom, reiterated that Umueri owns the famous Ijele masquerade that won a national award at FESTAC festival of arts and culture in 1977. Akajiofor Umueri stated that it can not be overemphasized that Umueri is the cradle of Igbo land because the community had a king that lasted over 600 years in the Omambala region, stressing that Umueri is the forerunner of the culture and traditions of the Omambala people.
Chief Joseph Onochie, a former speaker of Umueri Elders Forum, said they came to Otuocha township stadium to celebrate Omambala culture and traditions. He therefore thanked the traditional ruler of Umueri Igwe Dr. Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka and the President-General of Umueri General Assembly Chief Dr. John Metchie, for their efforts in fostering community development in the Omambala region.
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