Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
The people of Ehor Dukedom, Uhunmwode Local Government Council Area of Edo State led by their Enogie (Duke) HRH David Igiehon on Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 marked their annual Ugie (festival) with a lot of fanfare.
Ehor; the administrative headquarters of the Local Government Council and also huge market of various farm produce to buyers across Nigeria, was on the day agog with celebration!
With friends and well wishers, the people gathered at the Palace of the Enogie for the celebration with indescribable excitement, as traditional music and dance takes centre stage.
Highlight was the entrance of the Enogie, HRH David Igiehon to the dance stage.
Decked in his full royal attire, he was a great sight to watch as he responds to the traditional drum beats and songs delivered by the special guild in charge; who were like also out of this world drunk in the spirit of the ancestors and gods of the festival.
Definitely at this point, age was no longer a barrier as he seems equally inspired by the spirits of the ancient drumming and songs!
As the memory lingers; the people asserts the festival was to foster reunion and give thanks unto God and their ancestors, also for cultural reawakening and sustenance.
Chief Osemwengie Aguobasimwinogie Solomon said: "the festival is just about unity, to enable our children come home and join in the development of the town.
"It is a yearly event for a happy reunion with ourselves especially those of us in the diaspora, to collectively reflect and think about the growth and development of our homeland.
"The unique thing about the festival is that we eat from one pot in celebration; a symbol of unity we derive from participation.
"What I personally experienced during the festival only happened about 30 years ago when my father was still alive; when we happily ate from one plate in oneness and love.
"The festival brings unity, development, cooperation; it makes people to have feelings for one another eating from one plate and wine together."
According to Abogie Henry Osazuwa; "it was observed that there is this departure from the inherited culture and tradition of our forebears; hence after consultation with our Enogie, we collectively resolved the festival should hold as revival of our inherited past."
Earlier delivering his welcome address, Publicity Secretary of Ehor community, Eboigbe Henry admonished the gathering on the importance of upholding the native language, culture and tradition.
He stressed; these are mark of identity anywhere with unique invaluable advantages, which must be passed on from generation to generation.
Hon. Benjamin Osas Iredia, Leader of the Legislative Arm of Uhunmwode Local Government Council also comments; "this festival is laudable and marks a remarkable moment in the life of Ehor people."
He adds; as legislators at the grassroots, they would work to put Ehor on the world view in terms of culture and tourism as the festival symbolize.
Ogiehor William, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Edo State said; the core focus of the festival was to draw attention of Ehor people especially those in the diaspora, to always remember their roots and come home at least once a year; to enable them know when and where to
contribute their quota to the development and growth of the home land.
In his message; "please let us remain united, this is just a pilot project for 2023; Ehor Ugie (festival), though we were not able to reach most of you because of the short time frame, next edition, we would ensure everyone of you is appropriately informed, and expected to come participate."
In the same vein, Hon. Jonathan Igbinigie Councillor representing Ehor Ward held that the festival serves as avenue of reunion; with siblings and friends after long while of separation.
It was an avenue not only to give thanks to God and the ancestors but also to eat and wine in the spirit of oneness, he added. "The festival enable us to collectively reflect on the past and plot the way forward."
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