By Uzo Ugwunze
The Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla Ancient Kingdom), has officially unveiled activities for the 2026 Obiora Festival, the revival of the Ite Umatu Eze Obosi Festival and the 2027 Ito-Ogbo Obosi Festival.
The announcement, made at the monarch’s palace in Obosi on July 17, marked the commencement of preparations for the three cultural festivals with the inauguration of a 15 member organising committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, Eze Iweka III said the Obiora Obosi Festival would hold on Oct. 24, 2026, describing it as an annual celebration of the new yam, peace, unity and thanksgiving.
He also announced the reintroduction of the Ite Umatu Eze Obosi Festival, scheduled for Aug. 30, 2026, noting that the festival had not been celebrated for many years and would be held for the first time since his ascension to the throne.
The traditional ruler further disclosed that the Ito-Ogbo Obosi Festival, celebrated once every three years, would take place on March 27, 2027, to honour Obosi indigenes and age grades whose members have attained the age of 80.
According to him, Obosi has about 15 cultural festivals, all designed to preserve the community’s customs, traditions and cultural identity for future generations.
He named Nze Kenneth Ifeatu Obi as Chairman of the organising committee, Dr. Kene Igboebisi as Vice Chairman and Nze Igwebuike Shedrach Okenwa as General Secretary. Other members were assigned responsibilities in media and publicity, entertainment, traditional affairs and public relations, while Chief Osita Chidoka (Ike Obosi), Chief Collins Anibogwu (Iyasele Obosi) and Chief Emeka Anyoku (Adazie Obosi) would serve in advisory and patronage roles. Eze Iweka III will serve as General Supervisor.
Also speaking, the committee’s General Secretary, Nze Igwebuike Okenwa, and Chief Okey Mgbemena (Uzzi Obosi) described the Ite Umatu Festival as a thanksgiving celebration for the harvest of crops such as maize, cocoyam, cassava and other arable produce apart from yam.
The ceremony also featured a courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze, who pledged closer collaboration with traditional rulers to strengthen security and tackle crime and other acts of lawlessness in Anambra State and neighbouring communities.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
