01/05/2025
THE IDJU-OWHURIE CULTURAL FESTIVAL, ALSO KNOWN AS THE AGBASSA JUJU FESTIVAL,
is a vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration held biennially by the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, an Urhobo-speaking community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. This festival, typically observed in April, honors the Owhurie deity, a central figure in Urhobo cosmology, and serves as a unifying event for the seven communities that comprise the kingdom: Otovwodo (Agbassa), Igbudu, Edjeba, Okurode, Ogunu, Oteghele, and Ukpokiti ,Historical and Cultural Significance Dating back to the 15th century, the Idju-Owhurie Festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Agbarha people. It is characterized by elaborate rituals, traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that dramatize historical events and communal values. The festival not only serves religious purposes but also reinforces social cohesion and cultural identity among the Urhobo people Key Features of the Festival Processions and Performances: Each community participates in processions adorned in traditional attire, wielding symbolic items like cutlasses and axes, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of native flutes and drums. Dramatic Elements: The festival incorporates elements of drama,
including imitation, dialogue, dance, and mime, to reenact historical narratives and celebrate communal heroes .
Role of the Olotu: The Olotu, or traditional field marshal, plays a pivotal role in the festival, leading the Igbu (warriors) in performances that showcase valor and unity. Historical figures like Chief Sam Essi Idesoh have been noted for their significant contributions in this role
Community Unity: The festival brings together indigenes from various communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage. Contemporary Relevance Despite the influences of modernization Ask anything and religious changes, the Idju-Owhurie Festival remains a vital cultural event. It attracts visitors and dignitaries, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and promoting cultural tourism in the region