24/07/2024
CELEBRATING THE HISTORIC NEW YAM FESTIVAL IN OKPE KINGDOM, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Okpe is a town located at Akoko-Edo local council in Edo state. The town is known for its vast celebration of the new yam festival, which holds every July in the town.
On the significance of the festival, the traditional head of the ancient community, His Royal Majesty, the Olokpe of Okpe Kingdom has always said that the festival is meant to offer thanks and praises to God for making the land maximally fertile to give bumper harvest thereby taking away famine from the midst of the people. This is said to be the biggest festivity in Okpe Kingdom as it enjoys the full participation of both indigenes and non-indigenes at home alike as well as those indigenes in the diaspora and visitors from neighbouring towns and villages like Igarra, Ijaja, Idogun, Somorika, Enwan, Ibillo, Aiyegunle, Uneme-Nekhua, Oloma, Lampese, Ososo, Sasaro, Ikpeshi, Imoga, Makeke and Bekuma.
In addition, there is usually so much pounded yam to eat and much to drink. The royal father also dresses in his royal regalia and flanked by his amiable wive(s).
Okpe Kingdom, though her terrain is quite rocky and blessed with a vast expanse of farmland bordering on Owan area of Edo State and Idogun town in Ondo State, is located along latitude 70 17’ 0” North, and longitude 60 2’ 0” East. The people are hardworking, peace-loving, generous and very hospitable. The male inhabitants are predominantly farmers and hunters while their women are known for weaving.
Apart from the Igbo people of Nigeria, it is good to know that the popular New Yam Festival has become a major customary event among the Igarra community in Edo State. Based on historical perspective, it is important to state that the New Yam Festival has been part of the African tradition right from the prehistoric era.
Which other tribe across the world celebrates the New Yam Festival like the historic Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria, Etuno (Igarra) people and Okpe people of the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria, precisely in Edo State, Nigeria?
