The 2024 Ikeji Festival calendar, officially approved by His Majesty, Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, IX Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, outlines the key events and rituals that will take place from September 9th to October 1st. This sacred festival, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Arochukwu people, spans 17 days of vibrant celebrations.
The festival commences with the ceremonial sweeping of Awada Aro by the Otusi clans, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing of the kingdom. Key events include the symbolic return of Nwa Ekpe, the new yam festival, and masquerade performances, which embody the rich traditions of Arochukwu. The climax of the festival features grand cultural displays and the reunion of Aro settlements from across the region.
Each day of the Ikeji Festival carries profound cultural significance, reflecting the unity, traditions, and resilience of the Arochukwu people. His Majesty, Eze Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, has charged Umu Aro to regard this calendar as the official guide for the 2024 celebrations, urging them to disregard any other calendar that may emerge from those attempting to destabilize the kingdom.
This calendar serves as a beacon of Arochukwu’s enduring cultural heritage, ensuring the preservation of their ancient traditions for generations to come.
1. Afor Okpo Iza Awada
– Date: Monday, 9th September 2024
– Event: Members of the Otusi clan of Amaja gather to sweep Awada Aro, marking the beginning of the Ikeji Festival.
2. Afor Mgbape Awada
– Date: Friday, 13th September 2024
– Event: The Otusi clan of Amuze mobilizes eligible sons to sweep Awada Aro, accompanied by the resonant sounds of bells and gongs.
3. Afor Ndulasa Nwaekpe
– Date: Tuesday, 17th September 2024
– Event: Nwa Ekpe, a symbolic representation of the royal ancestors, is led home, followed by offerings and libations to the ancestors.
4. Nkwo Nku
– Date: Wednesday, 18th September 2024
– Event: Women fetch firewood for their elders as a gesture of respect and love, highlighting the role of women in the family.
5. Eke Agbaudu
– Date: Thursday, 19th September 2024
– Event: Aro aristocrats from Amuze offer sacrifices in grand style, showcasing their culture and pride.
6. Orie Awa
– Date: Friday, 20th September 2024
– Event: Sacrificial animals are offered a special meal, highlighting the importance of domestic animals in Aro tradition.
7. Afor Awa
– Date: Saturday, 21st September 2024
– Event: A deadline for all Aro sons and daughters to arrive in Aro, marking the beginning of the full Ikeji festivities.
8. Nkwo Nzukoro
– Date: Sunday, 22nd September 2024
– Event: A special market day for Ikeji shopping, marking the end of the year in the Aro traditional calendar.
9. Eke Odu
– Date: Monday, 23rd September 2024
– Event: The day of the new yam, featuring masquerade dances and celebrations.
10. Orie Egbugbu
– Date: Tuesday, 24th September 2024
– Event: Elders commune with ancestors through sacrifices, promoting peace and unity.
11. Afor Osu
– Date: Wednesday, 25th September 2024
– Event: The Osu meal is presented to friends and well-wishers, featuring Ekpo masquerade performances.
12. Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii
– Date: Thursday, 26th September 2024
– Event: Cultural displays and wrestling matches entertain guests, promoting talent and bravery.
13. Eke Ekpe Aro
– Date: Friday, 27th September 2024
– Event: The climax of the festival, featuring diverse Aro cultures and delegations from Aro settlements.
14. Orie Ubi Lee Avo
– Date: Saturday, 28th September 2024
– Event: The beginning of the end of Ikeji, with the return of the family ancestral staff of office.
15. Afor Ndula Nwaekpe
– Date: Sunday, 29th September 2024
– Event: Nwa Ekpe is led back to Awada Aro, highlighting its significance in Arochukwu customs.
16. Nkwo Nwupu Nmayi Ibom Isii
– Date: Monday, 30th September 2024
– Event: Aristocrats of Amuze and Ibom Isii assemble, marking the reopening of business in Ncheghe market.
17. Eke Nwupu Nmanyi Na Amuze
– Date: Tuesday, 1st October 2024
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| Approved Ikeji Calendar 2024 |
– Event: Aristocrats of Ibom Isii meet those of Amuze and jointly move into the palace of the Eze Aro, concluding the festival with final libations.
This detailed calendar outlines the key events and dates for the Ikeji Festival 2024, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Arochukwu people.
