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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The agrarian community Omor Ayamelum Local Government Area Anambra State witnessed an admixture of cultural fiesta and royalty celebration at its peak, last weekend, as the traditional ruler, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, Eze Anaukwu, Eze Igulube Omor marked the 2026 New Yam Festival.
It was a colourful display of culture, tradition and thanksgiving as various dignitaries thronged the Eze Igulube palace to pay homage to the traditional ruler.
The festival, attracted sons and daughters of the community, over 50 traditional rulers across different communities, including Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi community, eminent personalities from within and outside Anambra who gathered to thank God for a successful farming season and pray for greater harvests in the coming year.
It also featured cultural dance performances by women groups from Omor and neighbouring communities in Ayamelum. Age grade associations, masquerades, and other traditional cultural troupes also entertained guests, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebration.
With shouts of long live the king, accompanied with thunderous ovation, display of various cultural paraphernalia and deep sounding flute and cymbals, the king was ushered into the royal court where he performed the kola nut rituals, offering prayers to the almighty to receive the praise and thanks of the people for a bountiful harvest.
He prayed for a more fruitful farming season in the coming year and wished that the community sustained peace, love, unity, and development.
Speaking shortly before cutting the new yam, the traditional ruler described the New Yam Festival as an important cultural heritage that promotes unity, gratitude, and communal solidarity. He said the celebration reflected the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people, adding that it provided an opportunity for the community to appreciate God for the year’s harvest. The monarch urged residents to continue to work together and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Omor.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, who graced the occasion alongside other traditional rulers, in a remark, noted that new yam festival is a great ceremony in Igbo land. He likened celebration of new yam festival as a mark of reverence to God who is the giver of abundant harvest and protector of mankind.
President General of Omor Town Union, Hon. Cyril Anyanwumelu, said several communities in Igbo land have different cultures and tradition, but the new yam festival is unique. He noted that when it comes to Omor community, the celebration takes a distinct shape on its own because of the caliber of the traditional ruler, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume.
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“This is new yam festival; look at how grand it is. When it comes to Ofala, check out how it would be. That is the man of class we have as a traditional ruler. In the last seven years or more of his ascension to the throne, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, Eze Igulube Omor, Eze Anaukwu has put Omor community on the global map. As an industrialist of repute with high contacts, he has galvanised all these to our great advantage to the extent that our place has become a tourist destination.”
The PG also praised the cordial relationship existing between the town union leadership and the palace, noting that the synergy between the two institutions have accelerated development in the community.
“In some communities, today, there is a cat and mouse relationship existing between the town union and the traditional rulership. But here, we work in one accord. In fact, Igwe has been my benefactor because he has never turned down any of our requests. That is the way to go and should be emulated across all communities. I am optimistic that the relationship will continue to remain stronger to even extend to my successor when I complete my tenure and hand over”, the PG stated.
Several dignitaries who came to pay homage to the Igwe on the new yam festival spoke glowingly of his excellent character and strength of enduring relationships. High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu), who came with a retinue of friends, described the new yam festival as another great cultural heritage of the Igbo people. He prayed for longevity on the Igwe, noting that when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoices.
Other dignitaries that paid homage to the Igwe included Senator representing Anambra North in the National Assembly, Tony Nwoye, former commissioner and candidate of the Oyi-Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, Chief Uchenna Okafor (Wiper), candidate of APGA for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe.
In a vote of thanks, Igwe Oranu appreciated everyone who joined him in celebrating the New Yam Festival 2026.
He said: “I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for the gift of life, peace, unity, and the blessings that made this year’s celebration a beautiful and memorable one”.
“My sincere appreciation goes to our traditional rulers, distinguished guests, government officials, family, friends, sons and daughters of Omor, well-wishers, and everyone who travelled from near and far to celebrate with me and the entire Omor community.
“Your presence, prayers, goodwill, support, and kind words made the celebration truly special. I am sincerely grateful for the honour and love you showed me and our community.
“As we celebrate the abundance of the new yam season, may it bring peace, prosperity, good health, unity, and abundant blessings to every home and to the entire Omor community” he stated.
