By Anthony Ahize
The Ozara Autonomous Community, one of the ten wards in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, came alive on Wednesday, February 26, as it held its highly revered “Igu Aho” ceremony at the palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Jonas O. Ahize Ogbuehi X of Ozara, The Statesman Newspaper can exclusively report.
The “Igu Aho” ceremony, a time-honored tradition of the Ozara people, serves as the official declaration of the community’s yearly calendar, setting the tone for various cultural and religious festivities. As mandated by Article 12, Section D of the “History of Ozara autonomous community Traditional Rulership Constitution, this ceremony is one of the key responsibilities of HRH Eze Ogbuehi of Ozara.
With deep cultural significance, “Igu Aho” is regarded as the guiding framework for major festivals such as Iri Ji (New Yam Festival), Nso Oru, Aruru Eze, Ido Mbiba, Odu Agwunsi, Ite Nsi, Iru Mmuo, Ikpa Okwu, the payment of homage to the town’s deities by Ndi Odinala and other official festivities by villages.
The event, presided over by Eze Jonas Ahize Ogbuehi X, witnessed an impressive turnout from all segments of the community. Present were high-ranking chiefs, elders, the Nze na Ozor title holders (Ndi Odinala), women, and youths—all gathered in colorful traditional attire to honor the age-old ritual. Each of the seven villages of Ozara was well represented, underscoring the unity and significance of the occasion.
The ceremony commenced with divination, prayers, and sacred declarations, followed by the official announcement of the community’s festival calendar. The Igu Aho tradition was originally established to prevent conflicts in scheduling events across the seven villages and to promote cooperation and orderliness in communal activities.
According to documents made available to the statesman newspaper correspondent, This age-long practice is backed by the history of Ozara autonomous community Traditional Rulership Constitution, a document meticulously crafted by a six-man constitutional committee in 1977, ensuring the smooth governance of the community’s traditions. The committee members include:
• Chief L. A Anyikire (Chairman)
• Chief Eze Patrick E. (Secretary)
• Chief L.M.G Ezenwata (Member)
• Chief O.C Udennaka (Member)
• Chief C.M Obodoako (Member)
• Nze Onyebulie Ogwo (Member)
This constitution, signed by the head chiefs of various villages, continues to uphold the sanctity of Igu Aho, ensuring its uninterrupted observance.
Following the solemn rituals and official announcements, the event transitioned into a lively celebration, marked by traditional feasting and merriments. The air was filled with excitement as villagers exchanged goodwill and celebrated their shared heritage.
The Igu Aho festival remains a pillar of cultural identity for the people of Ozara, reinforcing their traditions while fostering unity and cooperation. As the new calendar of events unfolds, anticipation is high for the series of festivals that will follow, keeping the spirit of Ozara alive.
With another successful Igu Aho ceremony concluded, the people of Ozara look forward to a year of peace, prosperity, and rich cultural festivities.
