Umuakwu Oraike Cultural Fiesta

28/12/2024

27/12/2024

Okolobia Umuakwu Oraike Showing A Tip Of The Iceberg Tonight!

Be there this morning
Watch the great display
Umuakwu Oraike to the world

25/12/2024

By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.

Enugwu Aguleri is abuzz with excitement as the Umuakwu Oraike kindred prepares to host its maiden carnival and cultural fiesta on Saturday, December 28, 2024. The event, scheduled to commence at 8 am at Ama Umuakwu/Umuekwe/Umuokpoto, promises to be a vibrant celebration of the kindred's rich cultural heritage.

The event seeks to revive the old-age culture of the kindred, paying tribute to the legendary Ojadi Orauno, the pioneer lifter of the revered Ikenga deity. Ojadi's historic feat marked a turning point in Igbo culture, giving rise to a new tradition that continues to be showcased during the Oluta Festivals.

According to Comrade Pius Machi, Ojadi Orauno's remarkable strength and celebrated yam farming skills were only matched by his extraordinary harvests. His decision to craft a larger-than-life Ikenga deity has left an indelible mark on Igbo culture and heritage.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Umuakwu Oraike kindred. Mark your calendars for December 28, 2024, and join the vibrant celebration at Ama Umuakwu/Umuekwe/Umuokpoto.

24/12/2024

History Corner: Otike Nwodu, The Great Ikenga Enugu Otu Bearer of 1984

Chief Peter Chukwuemeka Chilokwu (Otike Nwa Nwodu) was born to Chilokwu Obudike of Umuakwu Oraike in late 1955 at Nrata Camp, around Ikpobi in Enugu Otu Aguleri.

He grew up with his parents as a farmer before travelling to Aba Abia State, where he worked as an apprentice to a wood seller. After serving for 6 years, he started his own venture as a wood dealer and contractor.

Otike nwa Nwodu was doing marvellously well in 1983 when it was turn of Umuakwu Oraike Kindred to bear the Great Ikenga Enugu Otu/Mkpunando community.

The lot traditionally rotates among the seven villages in Enugu Otu and each village to their own sharing formula. In Umuakwu, the strongest, most fit, and befitting to become the Ikenga Bearer was no other person than young Peter Chilokwu.

Peter Chukwuemeka Chilokwu (Otike Nwa Nwodu) was only 29 years old when Umuakwu Oraike Kindred selected him to be the great Ikenga bearer in August of 1984.

In the morning of the Ibu Ikenga Day, Ndi Ada Umuakwu and Umu Unyemu Umuakwu Oraike sang and danced from Ama Enugwu to Ama Isiokwe then crossing over to Igboezunu and they passed to Ama Okpa Agba and followed Okpololo Umuakwu to Iyieri and to Enugu Ndida singing “Otike Nwa Nwodu Teli Powder, Otike ekwe mmuta”.

Late Chukwuemeka Peter Chilokwu (Otike Nwa Nwodu) went on to become one of the most adorable Ikenga Bearer because of how he was well built, fitting the Ikenga and danced around the village as though the Ikenga was of lite weight!

After becoming one of the greatest Ikenga Bearer in Enugu and indeed Aguleri Otu community, Otike went back to his business in Aba, where he was doing amazingly well.

He was married late Fidelia Onyejabu Okagbue and their union was blessed with children, he was married before he became the Ikenga Bearer. He died in 2016 aged 61 years.

Come Saturday (Eke) December 28 2024, At Ama Umuakwu Enugwu Aguleri It Will Happen Again!

Anticipate This Great Event!
Guest The Next Bearer!
Be There!