The Ibeku Kingdom in Umuahia, Abia State, has concluded arrangements to mark the ‘Izo Ahia Ibeku’ cultural and traditional event, 53 years after it was last celebrated.
The custodian of Ibeku culture and tradition, Prince Benjamin Apugo (aka BB Apugo), who briefed newsmen on Friday in Umuahia about activities lined up for the event, said it is scheduled for July 24.
The Ibeku Kingdom is made up of seven clans, namely: Afarata, Afaraukwu, Amaoforo, Emede, Isieke, Ndume, and Ossah.
Apugo, who holds the traditional title of Oparaukwu/Ochiagha Ibeku, said the ceremony, which will take place at Isieke Market, would involve traditional rites, communal feasting, cultural displays, and thanksgiving.
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He noted that the historical event, which is about 3,000 years old, was last celebrated in 1972.
Apugo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the party’s National Board of Trustees, explained that ‘Izo Ahia Ibeku’ is a unique event, distinct from the annual new yam festival.
The cultural custodian added that the aim is to safeguard and promote Ibeku’s heritage for future generations.
He said descendants of Ibeku from across the country and beyond including those in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi States are expected to attend the ceremony.
Most of the people who celebrated ‘Izo Ahia Ibeku’ 53 years ago are dead now, but we are lucky to have about two or three of them still alive to guide us.
We want to revive it and let our children know about our rich cultural heritage and tradition,” he said.
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Chief Ben Onuegbu, who witnessed the last celebration, described it as a colourful ceremony that showcased the rich cultural values of Ibeku land.
I’m privileged to have participated in the one held in 1972 because it was a very big occasion, and only about five of us who witnessed it then are still alive.
This special cultural and traditional event bites deep into us because it is what we inherited from our ancestors. It is the vein that unites us as Ibeku sons and daughters,” he said.
