The traditional ruler of Otolokpo Kingdom,in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty Collins Alioma Ezenwali, has celebrated this year’s Iwa-Iji (New Yam)festival. The essence of the annual new yam festival was to thank God for a successful and bumper yam harvest.
The 2020 new yam festival at Otolokpo which was celebrated on Saturday, October 10 was indeed an eventful one as the peaceful town played host to dignitaries from Ika land and beyond. The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi Collins Alioma Ezenwali was a beehive of activities as he took turns to welcome and entertain his guests. Present to celebrate the Iwa-Iji festival with Obi Collins Alioma Ezenwali, Ozorjigwe 1, were; Chief Kingsley Osagie, Chief Jude Ogbekile, the Director-General, Delta Orientation Bureau, Barr Eugene Uzum, Chief Nkenchor Okwuokenye, Chief Olu, among other palace Chiefs, including guests who came to pay homage to the King.
Guests and Otolokpo indigenes at the ceremony were not only served foods and drinks, they were also entertained by the award winning Ni Ika Rinma Cultural Group and Ika high life musicians. The ceremony was presided over by the monarch who while performing the traditional Iwa-Iji rites announced the commencement of the eating of new yam in the Kingdom. He prayed for the success of all Otolokpo sons and daughters in and outside Nigeria, including friends of Otolokpo Kingdom.
He stated as a Royal Father, he will continue to do his best in his drive to move Otolokpo forward.
He expressed gratitude to all Otolokpo sons and daughters,his Chiefs and friends of Otolokpo for the various roles they played towards the success of this year’s Iwa-Iji festival. He expressed hope that next year’s Iwa-Iji festival will be greater and better.
Chiefs at the occasion
Ni Ika rimma Cultural dance band at the ceremony
