By Nelson Agbajor
Idjerhe Kingdom, with Headquarter in Jesse Town, is a community with a deep cultural lineage and a strong respect for tradition. Located in the Ethiope West Local Government Area, this clan is home to a people whose farming, education, and hospitality have become a hallmark of their identity. Idjerhe Kingdom comprises over 46 villages, all of which share a common bond in preserving their cultural heritage. Among the most significant cultural expressions of the Idjerhe people is the annual Iyeri Festival, a vibrant celebration that exemplifies the kingdom deep spiritual connection to its roots, its reverence for ancestors, and its commitment to communal prosperity.
The Iyeri Festival, celebrated every November, is one of the three major festivals in Idjerhe Kingdom each of which holds a special place in the community’s cultural and spiritual life. The other two festivals are the Oku Festival, celebrated in February, and the Ole Festival, celebrated in August. While these festivals have their own significance, the Iyeri Festival stands out as a symbol of renewal, thanksgiving, and the communal bond between the people and their gods.
The Iyeri Festival is essentially a New Yam Festival, but it is far more than just an agricultural celebration. It is a time for the Idjerhe people to come together and offer thanks to their gods, seek blessings for the year ahead, and celebrate the bounty of the land, held annually in Otorho Idjerhe, Jesse Town, the festival brings together both locals and the Idjerhe people who have migrated to other parts of the country or abroad, ensuring a grand gathering of the community’s sons and daughters.
At the heart of the Iyeri Festival is the role of the traditional authorities, whose leadership and spiritual guidance shape the festival’s observance. The festival is presided over by the Ekpe, the most elderly man of Idjerhe Kingdom often referred to as the Okaru. The Ekpe or Okaru holds an esteemed position as the custodian of the community's culture and traditions. In his absence, the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central, a senior spiritual leader, steps in to ensure the festival proceeds smoothly. Currently, Olorogun Sago Agbamitotor serves as the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central, with Chief Dr. Solomon Odemero Agbagi Ojariafe (also known as Solodem) serving as his second-in-command, the Unueworo.
One of the most important rituals of the Iyeri Festival is the serving of offerings to the ancestors. Three key ancestors are honored during the festival: Otorho, the ancestor associated with the land, Odion, who is the spirit of the elderly men of the community; and Idjerhe,the founder of the Idjerhe Kingdom, whose image can be found at the Jesse Roundabout. The Unugbrogodo, with the assistance of other traditional leaders, prepares the food for the ancestors, which is an essential part of the ritual. This act of offering serves as a way of seeking divine protection, blessings, and peace for the land and its people.
The Iyeri Festival is not just about spiritual rituals; it is also a time for the Idjerhe people to come together and reaffirm their unity. It is a celebration of peace, prosperity, and communal harmony, where the bonds between the elders, the youth, and the community at large are strengthened. One of the central aspects of the festival is the traditional dance, "Ema", which is performed by the chiefs in white attire. This dance is a way for the people of Idjerhe people to display their rich cultural heritage and demonstrate their respect for their gods and ancestors.
The festival also serves as an opportunity for the community to pray for peace, good health, prosperity, and fruitful harvests in the coming year. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year and to ask for divine favor as the cycle of life continues. The Iyeri Festival is truly a celebration of the land, the people, and the spiritual forces that guide them.
One of the most endearing qualities of the Idjerhe people is their hospitality. The Iyeri Festival is a time when all sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom, regardless of where they live, are welcome back home to partake in the celebration. Whether they are in the diaspora or elsewhere in Nigeria, the people of Idjerhe Kingdom are always eager to reconnect with their roots. The festival is a reminder of the importance of community, of honoring one’s heritage, and of keeping alive the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
As the 2024 edition of the Iyeri Festival approaches, scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, the excitement and anticipation within the community are palpable. Both the indigenes of Idjerhe Kingdom and the many visitors who will flock to Otorho Idjerhe are eagerly making preparations for what promises to be a grand celebration. The festival will once again showcase the beauty of Idjerhe culture, from the traditional dances and rituals to the communal feasts and prayers.
The Iyeri Festival is more than just a cultural event; it is a powerful reminder of the deep connection between the people of Idjerhe Kingdom and their spiritual traditions. It is a time for the community to reflect on the past, seek divine blessings for the future, and come together in unity and peace. As the festival draws near, the people of Idjerhe Kingdom are not just preparing for a celebration—they are reaffirming their identity, their values, and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage for generations to come.
As we look forward to the 2024 Iyeri Festival, it is clear that this event, steeped in tradition and rich in cultural significance, will continue to be a cornerstone of life in Idjerhe Kingdom, The festival is not just a celebration of the harvest, but a powerful expression of the enduring spirit of a people who honor their past, cherish their present, and look forward to a prosperous future.
To the sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom wherever they may be, the Iyeri Festival is an invitation to come home, celebrate, and be part of a living tradition that will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Nelson Agbajor
A Media Commentator and
Public Affairs Analyst
07019180204
22/11/2024.
