Umuna ancient kingdom radiates cultural splendor as iriji ohuru 2026 celebrates harvest, faith and igbo heritage

UMUNA ANCIENT KINGDOM RADIATES CULTURAL SPLENDOUR AS IRI IJI OHÚRÚ 2026 CELEBRATES HARVEST, FAITH AND IGBO HERITAGE

• Njoku Macdonald Obinna

Orlu LGA, Imo State.

In an atmosphere of traditional glamour, royal pageantry, and  colourful celebration of Igbo rich cultural heritage, the Umuna Ancient Kingdom in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State,  once again, radiated with splendor on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as the kingdom hosted its 2026 Iri Iji Ohuru (New Yam Festival) at the historic Ishiobi Ukwu- Egede Okpu Ancient Palace.

The highly anticipated cultural celebration, held under the traditional leadership of His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Douglas Okwara, (Okwarachukwu IV)— Igwe and Paramount Ruler of Umuna and Head of Isu Clan, Orlu LGA, brought together sons and daughters of Umuna, traditional rulers, government representatives, titled personalities, community leaders, friends and well-wishers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.

The Iri Iji Ohuru, which remains one of the significant moments in the traditional calendar of the Igbo people, was not merely a celebration of the year’s harvest. It was a powerful expression of thanksgiving, communal unity, ancestral heritage and the continuing bond between the people of Umuna and their ancestral homeland.

As is customary, the celebration began with a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Umuna Orlu Municipal, at 10:00 a.m., placing gratitude to God at the foundation of the day’s festivities before the traditional celebration commenced at the Umuna Ancient Palace by 1:00 p.m.

The transition from the solemnity of the church to the colourful atmosphere of the palace created a remarkable blend of Christian faith and indigenous cultural heritage, reflecting the evolving identity of the modern Igbo community while preserving traditions passed down through generations.

At the palace, the atmosphere became one of excitement and royal splendour as traditional music, drums, colourful cultural attire and the gathering of dignitaries announced the beginning of the festivities.

The traditional presentation and sharing of kolanut, an important symbol of hospitality, respect, unity and fellowship in Igbo culture, formed part of the cultural proceedings, providing a moment for prayers, blessings, recognition of guests and communal interaction.

The new yam itself remained the central symbol of the celebration. Its presentation and consumption represented the fruit of agricultural labour and the successful conclusion of another farming season, while also expressing gratitude for life, peace, sustenance and the blessings of the land.

What followed was a vivid display of Igbo cultural heritage, with traditional dances, energetic performances and colourful entertainment adding life to the palace arena. Egwu Mgba, with its energetic movements and representation of strength and communal spirit, formed part of the cultural spectacle, while traditional musical performances provided the rhythm for the celebration.

The appearance of Mmanwu masquerades added another dramatic dimension to the occasion, as performers emerged in elaborate costumes, commanding the attention of the crowd with their movements and theatrical displays. The masquerade tradition, deeply embedded in many Igbo cultural celebrations, added colour, mystery and excitement to the festival.

The majestic Egwu Ukwu, the royal dance, further elevated the occasion, symbolising dignity, respect for the traditional institution and the grandeur associated with the royal household. Together, the dances, music, traditional rites, kolanut presentation and communal celebration created a colourful expression of Umuna’s cultural identity.

In one of the most significant moments of the day’s royal proceedings, the ancient palace witnessed the conferment of chieftaincy titles on two distinguished individuals, adding an important layer of honour and recognition to the 2026 Iri Iji Ohuru celebration. Chief Dr. Remigus Nnadozie was honoured with the title of Ugo di Oha Mma 1 of Umuna, while Chief Ms. Onyedikanne Sybil Osuji JP ACPOL received the prestigious title of Ugo Aku 1 of Umuna. The conferment, performed in the presence of the royal father, traditional rulers, dignitaries and members of the community, became one of the memorable highlights of the festival, as the ancient institution publicly recognised the two honourees and formally welcomed them into a new circle of traditional distinction.

In his position as the royal host and celebrant, Eze Douglas Okwara blessed the land, the people and the gathering, offering prayers for continued life, peace, prosperity and divine protection. He also prayed that the people would live to return and eat the Ji Ohuru, the new yam, in the following year. That moment captured the deeper meaning of the festival.

Beyond the music, dances, traditional attire and colourful pageantry was a profound prayer for continuity that the land would continue to yield, families would continue to prosper, the people would remain alive and united, and the ancient tradition of Umuna would continue to survive from one generation to another.

The 2026 edition also attracted prominent personalities, including Chief Cosmas Maduba, Odenigbo 1 of Umuna and Odebube Isu; High Chief Willie Amadi, Enye Ihe Enye Ihe of Mbaise and Ukwa Achiaka of Owerri; Chief Dr. Henry Njoku (Harrtex), Ike Oha Owerri; Pastor Chris Mbarie, Executive Chairman of Orlu LGA; Chief Adol Anokwute, Abamara Agu and Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets; Nze Chief Ethel Ukonu, Nwakaibeya; Nze Eze Ugochukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment; Chief Joachim Olumba, retired Controller of Immigration and Captain, Bishop Shanahan Old Boys 1980 Set; Chief Ifeanyi Olumba; Hon. Prince Amb. Charles Mbachu, former Chairman, Nwangele local government area, and Chief Sam Anukam, Imo State Commissioner, Civil Service Commission, among others.

The presence of distinguished traditional rulers further added weight and colour to the historic gathering.

Among them were HRM Eze Leslie Eke, President of the Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and Paramount Ruler of Woji Kingdom, Rivers State; HRH Sunday Agbarifo Boma JP, Okotoun Abade V of Agge Palm Bush Community, Kou Kingdom, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and National PRO of AOCTRON; HRM Eze Ozuruoha, National Secretary of AOCTRON; HRM Eze Patrick Acholonu, Igwe of Orlu-Gedegwum; HRH Eze Emmanuel Assor; HRH Eze Jude Nwaogu; HRH Eze Oliver Njoku (Oputaobie); and HRH Eze Geoffrey Okoro.

The event also had among its distinguished guests His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, listed as the Very Special Guest of Honour, and Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator representing Imo West, as Special Guest of Honour.

Their presence, alongside other dignitaries and members of the traditional institution, underscored the importance attached to the cultural celebration and the role of traditional institutions in preserving the identity and heritage of their people.

This year’s edition was truly remarkable as sons and daughters of Umuna, from across Nigeria and the diaspora, returned to their ancestral roots with joy and reverence, renewing their connection with the land of their forefathers. For many, it was more than a festival. It was a homecoming.

The ancient palace became a meeting point where generations reunited, families shared memories, elders passed on cultural values and younger members witnessed traditions that might otherwise become distant in an increasingly modern and globalised society.

The significance of the celebration , therefore, extended beyond the eating of the new yam. It represented the preservation of identity, the strength of community and the determination of a people to keep their cultural heritage alive.

In Umuna, the Iri Iji Ohuru became a colourful reminder that while the world continues to change, a people can embrace modernity without abandoning the traditions that define them.

The 2026 Iri Iji Ohuru Festival of Umuna Ancient Kingdom, was covered by Nigerian Media Expert, Public Analyst and Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, bringing the cultural significance, royal atmosphere and rich heritage of the celebration to a wider audience.

From the thanksgiving at St. Joseph Catholic Church to the royal proceedings at the ancient palace, from the breaking and sharing of kolanut to the celebration of the new yam, from the thunderous traditional drums to the colourful masquerades, royal dances and conferment of chieftaincy titles, Umuna offered a compelling demonstration of the enduring strength of Igbo culture.

And as the celebration unfolded beneath the authority of the royal institution, one message stood out clearly: ” Iri Iji is not simply about eating the first yam of the season; it is about giving thanks for life, celebrating the harvest, strengthening communal bonds, honouring those who have contributed to the community and handing the story of a people to the next generation.”

For Umuna Ancient Kingdom, the story continues.

The yam was harvested.

The kola nut was shared.

The drums sounded.

The dances came alive.

New titles were bestowed.

The royal blessing was given.

And an ancient heritage once again found its voice in the heart of the 21st century.

Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist |Public Analyst|PR Expert

Publisher,

4TH ESTATE REPORTERS

4th Estate Reporters

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

Njoku Macdonald Obinna is a distinguished media consultant, public relations expert, and publisher of 4th Estate Reporters. With an impressive career spanning over 2 decades in the media and communications industry, he has built a solid reputation for excellence, strategic insight, and impactful storytelling.

Macdonald had served as a Correspondent with Ben TV London in Port Harcourt , and had also featured very prominently in national newspapers before establishing his media outfit.

He is the South East and South - South Business Operations Manager of Excel International Media group, and had attended a couple of international conferences outside Nigeria.

As an award- winning media personality, Macdonald has used his wealth of experience in communications strategy and public engagements to promote African culture and festivities, sports development, political leadership, and traditional institutions.

He has executed social documentaries and corporate profiling of both companies and individuals, leveraging media and public relations to enhance organizations profile and activities.

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