By Ogbagah Matthias & Ehwenhwen Benedicta
The monarch of the Great Ughelli kingdom, the HRM. Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III Ughelli, in north local government area, Delta State has dedicated the ancient kingdom of Ughelli to God Almighty as the kingdom kick-starts the kingdom’s ancient festival, “Ihenri festival” with the theme, “Ughelli Kingdom Christ Jesus”.The annual festival that began witch night on Saturday Eve amidst pomp and pageantry.
Speaking to journalists during the celebration on the significance and expectations of the ‘Iherin festival’, he said the celebration served as a means to bring the people together to display their cherished and rich cultural traditions and heritage as passed down by their ancestors.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the first day is marked by general dancing comprising men, women, girls, and boys. Usually, it begins at dawn till late in the morning. Though it is a free dance, sexually abominable acts are excluded. Later in the day, animals are slaughtered, and there is an exchange of food and other gifts items between the natives. The citizens also pay homage to their Ovie by bringing food and other valuables to him. It is a period of showing affection and appreciation to one another. He disclosed.
“The celebration is a period where when all sons and daughters of Ughelli kingdom come to pray and merit together.
“The expectations of sons, daughters, and strangers in Ughelli kingdom are enormous; we believe that God Almighty will answer our prayers and heart desires, and peace of God will remain in the land of Ughelli kingdom.
“This year’s, festival will further the unmerited favor of God into the land of Ughelli, oil companies and governor of Delta State will remember Ughelli kingdom.”
When asked if the festival has an idolatry undertone, he said the celebration does not have any idolatry undertone; successive kings decide how they celebrate it.
“There is no particular god(s) the festival is dedicated to neither did we worship any particular god or deity during the festival celebration.
“I, on behalf of the entire sons and daughters of Ughelli kingdom, dedicated Ughelli kingdom to God Almighty for peace and prosperity”.
The monarch sues for unity and harmony among his citizenry and strangers in the kingdom as the festival celebration lasts.
He prayed that this year’s festival would bring prosperity and peace to the land just as his declaration of Ughelli for God was gladly embraced by all and sundry.
Present at the event were the President-General of Ughelli Descendants Union, Chief Simon Akpemugi, and a host of orders.
