By Silvernews
A fresh dispute has emerged over the organisation of the 2026 Iri-Ji Mbaise cultural festival, as the leadership of Ndi Ezeji Mbaise has publicly distanced itself from the activities being planned by Ezuruezu Mbaise, alleging exclusion, breach of tradition and disregard for established agreements.
In a public statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Ezeji Anistus Ogu, Ndi Ezeji said several attempts to reach an understanding with the leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise had failed despite repeated dialogue and interventions by traditional rulers.
The group accused the current Ezuruezu administration of refusing to recognise the statutory role of Ndi Ezeji in the cultural structure of Mbaise, describing the body instead as “just another social club.
According to the statement, Ezuruezu had proceeded with plans for the annual New Yam Festival without involving Ndi Ezeji, contrary to longstanding tradition.
Ndi Ezeji further alleged that the organisers had introduced practices alien to the festival, including the presentation of personal awards during the celebration and requesting each autonomous community in Mbaise to contribute ₦2 million towards the proposed event in Oke-Uvuru.
The statement also recalled what it described as previous controversies surrounding the festival, including the alleged use of an impostor in Ezeji attire, the use of foreign yams during last year’s celebration, and an attempt to rename the event as Mbaise Cultural Day, a move it said was resisted.
Consequently, Ndi Ezeji announced that it would proceed with the statutory Iwa-Ji rites on August 15, 2026, at Ishi Ovu, Eke Ngwuru, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The group said the ceremony would be open to all sons and daughters of Mbaise, friends, in-laws and well-wishers, while virtual access would also be provided for those in the diaspora.
Ndi Ezeji also cautioned the public against associating it with any publication or programme issued by Ezuruezu Mbaise, insisting that any reference to the body in such materials was made without its knowledge or consent.
The organisation urged the people of Mbaise and the general public to distinguish between what it described as its statutory traditional rites and any other events organised independently by Ezuruezu Mbaise.
As of the time of filing this report, Ezuruezu Mbaise had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement.
