Obosi 2025: The Cultural Heritage
Iwaji Obiora Obosi 2025: The Cultural Heritage of Ancient Kingdom. That Obosi community is an ancient kingdom is no longer news. Rather, the cultural artistry on display last Saturday October 25, 2025 her ingenuity. Indeed, Iwaji Obiora Obosi festival is not just an ordinary celebration of new yam harvest, instead a time- honoured tradition that embodies the soul and spirit of the Community, their culture, and shared values. The 2025 edition was spectacular, it took place at Obosi township stadium so that the citizens as well as the teeming visitors would be well accommodated. And it did, as early as 8.00 am, the arena came alive, welcoming different faces, different troupes–Age grades, Town Union Executive, Igwe in council cladding on white attires, traditional rulers from various towns, Civil servants, Professionals, Business People, till the arrival of Executive Governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Soludo and his entourage. The presence of Oni of Ife, that of Nupe kingdom, the Representative of Sultan of Sokoto as well as HRH, Igwe Dr Joel Maduadichie Egwuonwu, Eze Udo 11 of Umuawulu in Awka South, Anambra state. All these eminent personalities with strong cultural pedigrees made Obosi fiesta thick. But the striking difference between the 2025 event and that of the previous era was that His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka 111, for the first time appeared as the chairman of Anambra state council of traditional rulers.
The Iwaji Obiora Obosi is 14 years old this year. In his opening speech at the occasion, the organising committee chairman, Nze Kenneth Ifeatu Obi enthused: ” The new yam festival otherwise known as ” Obiora “, is a significant event in Obosi Kingdom, defining peace and demonstration of love to one another. It is also a time for us to express gratitude to gods of the land and the spirit that watched over us. We gather not only to celebrate the new yam harvesting, but to recognise the strength and unity of the Obosi people.” He reflected on its benefits, pointing out that it has over the years brought people together. ” The yam is more than just a staple food, it represents the fruits of our Labour, our resilience, and our commitment to one another. Just as the yam thrives in the soil nourished by our hardworking, so too does our community flourish when we come together in solidarity and mutual support.” He described the 2025 fiesta as successful, and stated that it provided ample opportunity to recover from previous challenges beleaguering Obosi community. ”
The occasion resolved any cold feeling between brothers, guarantee unity and support for our youths so that the legacy of our forefathers will not be altered.” Nze Ifeatu Obi, buoyed by the joyful crowd called on the leaders and elders of Obosi Kingdom to launch operation ” save our children”, scheme as panacea to secure their. ” Our younger generations are the future custodians of our culture. Let us therefore instill in them a sense of commitment in our tradition, encouraging them to participate actively and ensure that the essence of the new yam festival continue to flourish, even after the celebration. Earlier in his epoch making speech, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka 111 described Obiora Obosi/ Iwaji Festival as joyous occasion to celebrate the new in yam festival, as well as the enthronement of peace. According to the Monarch, ” The yam harvesting period in Obosi is one marked by lots of excitement, jubilation and display of our agricultural yield.
The ancients of Obosi Kingdom thought it wise that wth the joy and excitement expressed by the people in this season, a law was imposed compelling the people to harmonious co- existence. Our ancestors therefore, imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week, urging our people to maintain peace from one Obiora to another,” He welcome the happy mood that raptured the 2025 edition, especially the coronation of eminent Individuals including the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Soludo. He applauded the reigning peace in entire Obosi Kingdom, hoisted mainly by the elders members of Igwe In council. ” Our source of gladness emanate not just the celebration of bountiful harvest of our yams, but the enthronement of peace in Obosi Kingdom. It is indeed a testament of our collective resolution to move forward, a commitment we must keep to achieve greater future.” Eze Ogalagidi, therefore, urged his people to use the celebration to deepen the trust and confidence already established, maintaining that it is only in umbrella of peace that Obosi could thrive. He promised to work effectively and tirelessly towards upholding the cultural values of Obosi, even as he wants peace to be the watchword. ” I encourage each one of you to participate actively in our community initiatives, it is through your collective effort and performance that we can overcome all the challenges ahead of us.”
The Anambra state Governor, Prof. Soludo in his eloquent acceptance speech after coronation as Oluatuegwu of Obosi described their style of celebration as unique and exceptional in Igboland. ” I really appreciate the uniqueness of Iwaji Obiora Obosi Festival, the nature of celebration is both colourful and entertaining. I came to encourage the people to keep maintaining their culture because it makes them outstanding among other communities in Igboland. Obosi has rich history in cultural matters, that’s why their new yam festival always attract first class traditional rulers in Nigeria. He defined Igwe Chidubem Iweka as an embodiment of quality character, an educated traditional ruler with advance knowledge and wisdom. ” He is also a competent, befitting author of books whose works are in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria and beyond.”
Ambassador Chimezie obi, the President-General of Obosi Development Union Worldwide, reminded his people, home and abroad, that the 2025 season is a wonderful chance to make the necessary adjustments and sacrifice in their relationship with one another. ” We have come of age in this our annual celebration, but we should be mindful of this particular edition–a time to forgive and let go of those vices that weigh us down. It is a period that makes a blend like a fine wine between pump and pageantry, and a reflection on our virtues of forgiveness, fraternity, and filial bonding.” Reviewing the entire celebration with ecstasy, the prominent member of Obosi royal cabinet, Chief Engr. Emeka Molokwu, Ogbaike Ochezo Eze recalled the history of Obosi new yam festival with its accompanying side attractions, and concluded with excessive joy. ”
We usually perform a culture very unique and different during the festival. We have Itogbo dance for aged people up to 80 years, and interestingly the person will be alive to witness what will happen when he leaves this Earth. That makes our new yam festival unique, above all Obiora Obosi is a time of settlement of disputes and reconciliation with one another. We equally have ” Egwu Ota Dance”, for members of the royal cabinet only.” Another father figure, Chief Louis Chigbo Mgbakogu, Ata Obosi, defined the festival as gathering of people with one mind, one accord ,and destiny. ” It is a period of forgiveness, as well as reconciliation of lingering issues among Obosi people, where Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka 111, prays for people to live in peace and unity.” He stated that their people have gained tremendously from the annual celebration, adding that culture cannot be wished away. ” In USA, UK, Brazil, Japan, even the Asian countries, the people showcase their culture with fanfare. Here, we are celebrating ours with ingredients from the forefathers, a custom which our children ought to imbibe and keep. Ichie Omezie Chukwurah, Ocha Obosi, saw the appointment of Igwe Chidubem Iweka as chairman of Anambra state council of traditional rulers, timely, apt and realistic.
” It is a master stroke, a marvelous decision by Anambra state Governor towards strengthening the integrity of the traditional rulers council. Eze Ogalagidi will not only inject new ideas to the council, but ensure that members are carried along in decision making in Anambra state. We are praying for Igwe Obosi for more wisdom to discharge his duties, as well as long life anchored on good health.” The 2025 Iwaji Obiora Obosi was glamorous. One of the recipients of Chieftaincy honour, Chief Gabriel Ogejisos from Ughelli, Delta State described his coronation as a milestone in his relationship with Obosi people, appreciating Igwe Chidubem Iweka for finding him worthy of honour. ” No doubt, the investiture will increase the level of love I have for Obosi people. For making me Okosisi Ejiejemba of Obosi meant that I have become part of the Community, and I have accepted it with joy.” The Iwaji Obiora Obosi this year has come and gone, but one anthem is still the song: Together we stand, Divide we fall!
