From : Akpovoke Otiti

The people of Ughelli Kingdom are set to roll out the drums as preparations reach fever pitch for the much anticipated Annual Iheri Festival. This year’s edition promises to be one of the most colourful and historic, uniting sons and daughters of the kingdom at home and in the diaspora.

According to the Palace, the festival has been fixed to commence on Saturday, 27th September, ushering in nine days of cultural splendour, traditional rites, prayers and communal celebrations. It is a clarion call on all indigenes to return home and participate actively in this heritage event which has stood the test of time.

Throughout the festival period, the kingdom expects sustainable peace, love and prosperity to reign. However, residents and visitors are advised to note that on certain days, movements may be restricted to allow for the effective performance of traditional rites at designated spiritual locations. These measures, the Palace explained, are in keeping with long standing customs and the sacred nature of the festival.

As usual, the Iheri Festival will feature massive cultural displays, colourful parades, traditional wrestling, and spectacular performances designed to commemorate past victories in wars fought by the founding fathers of the kingdom. This year’s programme is also expected to showcase Ughelli’s rich music, dances, masquerades and culinary delights, reinforcing the essence of unity and communal pride.

In a joint statement, the organisers enjoined everyone to be part of this year’s celebration across all communities. “The Ihere Festival is not just an event; it is a symbol of peace, prayer, cultural restoration and prosperity for our people,” the statement read. The Palace further urged visitors to respect traditional norms and cooperate with security agencies for a smooth festival season.

The announcement was jointly signed by His Royal Majesty, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, the President General, Chief Samuel Akpimige, Chief Peter Akpofure, Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, and Chief Miller Uloho, Okpako-re-Ilorogun of Ughelli Kingdom, reaffirming their collective commitment to sustaining the legacy of the Iheri Festival.