– Emeka Esogbue
Ibusa, a community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Tuesday, completed the Ichu Ekwensu rites, a major festival of the people.
The Ikwele of Ibusa, His Eminence, Chief Engr Celestine Okeibunor Okafor who is the principal of the festival was seen in a procession of people moving in an orderly and solemn manner in one of the major rites of the festival.
Also seen among the audience was HRM Obi Prof Louis Nwaoboshi, the Obuzo of Ibusa, Obi Col Nzekwue, Chief Kizito Ijeh, Initiator of People of Oshimili North and one-time member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Pat Mozea, among others.
The event was colourful and heavily attended by the people of the community who were seen dancing and chanting songs at every performance of the rites of the ceremony.
Earlier in the day, the Ikwele who was traditionally attired in a red outfit, synonymous with the festival and fitted with a cap, stepped out from the sacred Unor Ikenga in grand style, a development that traditionally flagged off the festival. It was after this cultural session that the Ikenga Onah was taken around the community’s sacred ground for the annual cleansing.
In the course of the festival, shooting of dane guns, which is also another important aspect of the event was traditionally performed by some individuals from the community.
“That’s part of it and in fact by shooting, he has participated in igba ekwensu egbe, a very important part of the festival,” Prince Henry, an indigene of the community noted.
It was also reported that the Umuodafe elders, led by Chief Fred Ajudua, a close ally of the Ikwele, received the Ikwele at Ogwugwu Afor with some traditional gifts presented to him as a mark of honour and participation.
The Ikwele of Ibusa, His Eminence, Chief Celestine Okafor is praised in the community and beyond for his successful revival of the Ichu Ekwensu Festival and also for selling it to wider acceptance within and outside the community, giving the indigenes the pride of Ibusa nativity.
“People who value tradition understand what today’s event means. I am glad to be a partaker of this great event,” Stanley Agboso, a media person who covered the event said.
Politician and Engineer, Andrew Ezekwe wrote on People of Oshimili North, “for me, this is Ibusa to the world. Bravo! Ikwele Ibusa.”
The Ichu Ekwensu Festival is an annual event celebrated by the Ezukwu people of Ibusa in which the Ikwele is the principal character.
With evil spirits exorcised, the essence of Ichu Ekwensu is to cleanse the community, leaving it purified from evil. The Ibusa community is rich in festivals which include Iwu, Ine and Ulor also celebrated by several other Anioma communities.
The guests of the festival were thereafter entertained in a reception ceremony with music supplied by Ogbogu Okonji and His Anioma Brothers Band.
