By Nneka Anoliefo :
The palace of the traditional ruler of Umuona, Igwe Humphery Ejesieme recently went agog as he celebrated his 2022 Iwa Ji Festival which also featured Induction of deserving individuals into the Ozo clan.
The festival which attracted sons and daughters of the community as well as dignitaries from the state and beyond also featured masquerade displays, musical display and taking of oaths of allegiance by the newly conferred Ozo title holders.
Addressing the crowd that witnessed the event, the traditional ruler, Igwe Humphery Ejesieme harped on the need for them to embrace Igbo language and culture to save it from going into extinction.
He also urged them to always live in peace with one another as well as respect constituted authorities and to support the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo led administration to ensure a livable and secured Anambra State.
The Royal father cautioned his subjects to shun all forms if social vices such as killings, stealing, conservation of neighbours goods, committing of sacrilege and forceful ejection of widows from their husbands house among others.
Igwe Ejesieme reminded them that God Almighty and the Umuona Community will not hesitate to discipline any one that goes against the stipulated rules guiding Ozo title holders among others
On his part, that Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Chibueze Oforbuike, felicitated with the Igwe shortly after paying homage, and enjoined Ndi Umuona to live in peace with one another, describing Iwaji as Igbo Culture that has come to stay.
Mr. Oforbuike seized the opportunity to appeal to the citizenry to support the governor for the actualization of a livable and prosperous homeland for all, where there would be full security, development and progress.
Some inducted members of the prestigious Nze Na Ozo Umuona are, Ozo Uche Okoromike, Ozo Mma Ezeudo, Ozo Ezebube Ezenabugo, Chief Jerome Okoye Umeh , Ozo Silas Akaneme, Chief Samuel Okolo, Chief Chuks Ezeokoli and the Onye isi Eze, Chief Anthony Ezechinyere.
They all felicitated with the traditional ruler and promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the Umuona title holders while praying to God to bless, keep and grant the Igwe and family as well as Umuona Community long live and prosperity.
Masquerades display, Ufie dance, and official cutting of the yam formed the high points of the event.
