The Iri Ji Oba Festival (New Yam Festival) celebrates heritage, harvest, and unity in the heart of Anambra State. The Iri Ji 2026 season marks a historic milestone for Oba Kingdom, serving as a powerful symbol of cultural renewal and harmony. Under the royal stewardship of H.R.M. Igwe Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, EzeOkpoko II of Oba, the annual festival honors ancient roots while signaling a bold, progressive future.
The Cultural Significance of Iri Ji in Oba Kingdom
In Igbo culture, the yam (Ji) is revered as the "king of crops" (Eze Ji). The Iri Ji Festival is a sacred thanksgiving ritual offering appreciation to Chukwu Okike (God the Creator) and the ancestors for fruitfulness, agricultural abundance, and life through the past farming cycle.
Until the royal first-fruit blessing and ritual cutting of the new yam by the Igwe, custom forbids the consumption of the new crop. Beyond agriculture, Iri Ji serves as an homecoming for sons and daughters of Oba from across Nigeria and the global diaspora.
Key Highlights of the Celebration
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Royal Cutting of the Yam (Iwa Ji Igwe): The central ceremony features H.R.M. Igwe EzeOkpoko II offering solemn prayers, breaking the royal yam, and sharing it with the Ndi Ichie (red cap chiefs), kingmakers, and town elders.
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Cultural Processions & Royal Homage: Delegates from all nine villages of Oba—Urueze, Umuogali, Abime, Okuzu, Isu, Aboji, Ogboenwe, Ogwugwu, and Ezelu—gather at the palace to pay homage to the throne.
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Masquerade Displays (Mmanwu): The festival grounds erupt with energy as iconic Igbo masquerades display acrobatic movements, vibrant rhythms, and ancient folklore.
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Traditional Performances & Hospitality: Guests, dignitaries, and community members partake in shared feasts of roasted yam served with fresh palm oil, traditional Igbo delicacies, and cultural music performances.
The Vision of H.R.M. Igwe EzeOkpoko II
The ascension of H.R.M. Igwe Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe (EzeOkpoko II) opened a new chapter of peace, reconciliation, and development for Oba. A former executive at Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Igwe EzeOkpoko II brings a governance philosophy rooted in integrity, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
"I will protect and preserve the culture and traditions of our people. I will neither extort homage, demand tribute, nor use my position as Igwe to oppress any citizen of Oba. A New Oba has come."
— H.R.M. Igwe EzeOkpoko II
Under his leadership, the Iri Ji Festival stands not only as a feast of yam, but as a pledge toward community safety, youth empowerment, unity, and economic progress.
Igweee! Igweee! Igweee!
Long Live H.R.M. Igwe EzeOkpoko II!
Long Live the People of Oba Kingdom!
Igbo Kwenu! Ya-Gazie!
