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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abam community in the northern part of Abia State, founded by the legendary Abam warriors and explorers of old, led by Onyerubi Attita Akpo, has, unlike many Igbo communities, not allowed any of their cultural heritage to die.
Year-in-year-out, they gather to mark the New Yam festival and other cultural festivities. These are occasions they showcase the allure of their cultural heritage.
Recently, the over 25 large clans that make up Abam Onyerubi gathered in one accord and with unity of purpose to celebrate their Iri-Ji-Oha Abam Festival. It was a colourful display of heritage, unity, and thanksgiving.
The event, which took place at the Abam High School Field, drew full participation from the Abam Onyerubi ancestral kindred communities.
Expectedly, the festival ground was a breathtaking spectacle of colours, sounds, and movements reminiscent of the old when Abam warriors pranced about the area’s landscape with gait. From the fearsome Atu Mkpi of Idima to the majestic Ekpe masquerades from Ndi Oru in Ikwuano and Ndi Oji Abam, every performance echoed the ancestral strength and artistic depth of Abam culture.
The Ite-Igbo troupe from Ozu Abam and the War Dance of Amuru Abam added further energy and excitement, depicting the community’s rich variety of traditional performances. Indeed, talented singers, drummers, dancers, instrumentalists, and artists all contributed to the rhythm and beauty of the day.
One of the highpoints was the traditional pouring of libation at the gravesite of Onyerubi Attita Akpo, the revered patriarch and founder of Abam, by Abam High Chiefs, led by Eze Ralph Ogbonna, the Onyerubi I of Ndi Oru Ancient Kingdom. This solemn rite, which was performed earlier in the day, according to the traditional ruler, signified respect to the ancestors and invoked blessings for the festival.
Commending the unity and collaboration among the Onyerubi Attita Ancestral Kindred, Eze Ogbonna gave a historical insight into the origins of Abam settlements: “In the era of ‘Occupation by Conquest,’ our forebears—Onyerubi and his brother, Udumeze Attita Akpo, joined forces with warriors from Abam, Ohafia, and Idima, as well as the Ume Dynasty of Ndi Aworo, to reclaim and settle territories now known as Ikwuano.
“Their courage earned them not just the right to dwell but to lead and protect the land. Through time, they integrated, multiplied, and shaped the socio-cultural identity of the present Ikwuano people.”
He noted that the warriors brought with them their enduring traditions—Kamalu Agbatuzo, Ekpe, and other customs—that still thrive today.
Acting President of the Abam Development Union (ADU), Chief Okere Kalu, while welcoming the guests, noted that the 2025 edition was more than a feast: “It’s a mirror of identity and pride. The Iri-Ji, or New Yam Festival, has for centuries stood as a sacred and unifying celebration of life, harvest, and heritage across Igboland. But, in Abam, it takes on an even greater significance—it brings together all communities of Onyerubi Attita Akpo’s lineage in one grand festival of gratitude and pride.
“The Iri-Ji-Oha Abam Festival is the heartbeat of our people. Every dance step, every drumbeat, every masquerade tells the story of our past, our resilience, and our shared future. It is a celebration of the land that sustains us, of yam—the king of crops—and of the enduring spirit of Abam Onyerubi.”
He equally highlighted the festival’s role as a platform for cultural promotion and community development, reaffirming that Abam remains “a people deeply rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking in progress.”
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuruibe, praised Abam Onyerubi people for their cultural preservation and community spirit. He said that the state government was taking deliberate steps to revitalise heritage and tourism sites across the state, including those in Abam Onyerubi, and urged them to continue to uphold their traditions.
Chairman on the occasion and Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, lauded the community for their unity and hospitality.
A prominent indigene of the area and former chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Chief Jones Ike, said the 2025 Iri-Ji-Oha Abam Festival will be a vivid reminder that the spirit of Abam Onyerubi remains alive, strong, and shining brightly for generations to come.
