Sun. Nov 10th, 2024

The traditional ruler of Umudikeukwu autonomous community Oboro clan in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, HRH Eze Ben Ogechi Oriaku, has declared that he is in the traditional institution to prove that TRADITION IS NOT IDOLATRY.

Eze Oriaku, who interacted with our correspondent in his palace during the new yam (Iri ji ohuru) festival of his community also said that he with the support of his cabinet has revolutionized the new yam (Iri Ji) Festival.

Pix: L-R HRH Eze Ben Ogechi Oriaku and Most Rev. Michael Ukpong.

According to him, in a historic move to get things right according to the Biblical standards, his leadership revolutionized and remodeled the traditional Iri Ji festival by infusing spirituality and unity.

His words, “Culture is the set of unwritten norms that guide the behaviour of the members of a community while Idolatry is the worshiping of idols. Yes it is true that the idolatry of good things devalues our relationship with God by exalting something of this world to his place in our hearts but our revolutionized new yam festival, which is our tradition or culture, like education for example, is not in and of itself unchristian or evil.

” The annual celebration of the New Yam Festival in my community has no idolatry undertone and Umudikeukwu cultures and traditions is not idol worshiping, it is who we are, our heritage, our identity”, Eze Oriaku declared that Umudikeukwu autonomous community’s tradition under his watch does not support idol worshiping.

The Royal father, who reminded other Communities that God rules supreme, enjoined them to shift from idolatry to divine reverence, as according to him, the significance of the festival is gratitude, abundance, and community bonding.

He appreciated Deacon Ikechukwu Anyadigibe, Chief Lettie Chris Ugorji ( Enyi Oha); Chief Tender Ikechukwu (Kpakpandu) and others for their generous sponsorship which he said enhanced the festivities.

In his speech, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, appreciated the visionary leadership of King Ben Oriaku, which has succeeded in elevating the Iri Ji festival’s essence, bridging cultural heritage and faith and fostering inclusivity and understanding.

He prayed that the new era of Iri Ji celebrations would bring blessings and joy to Umudikeukwu autonomous community.

Our correspondent observed that the festival which promotes interfaith harmony, featured prayers for increment in wealth and sound health, and continued peace and prosperity of Umudikeukwu land and was attended by dignitaries.

By NWAMARA

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