Igue Festival: Community Head Urges Citizens To Participate In The Celebration
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Odionwere of Ekowe, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Pa Alfred Aguanomwan Agbontaen has called on all Binis in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora to always participate in the celebration of the annual Igue Festival.
He opined that there is nothing fetish as being insinuated by some persons but rather for prayers, protections, peace and others for the outgoing year as well as same prayers for peace, progress and for God Almighty and the Ancestors to ward all evil in the coming year.
While felicitating with the Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin Kingdom on the celebration of the annual Igue Festival, Pa Agbontaen who made the call in an enlarged meeting of the elders and people at the village (Oguedion) pointed out that even the white man that brought Christianity to us have their own tradition which they hold dearly to their heart.
He commended the great Oba, Oba Ewuare II of Benin kingdom for the rejuvenation, promoting and preservation of the rich culture and heritage of the people of Benin.
“If you go to all states in Nigeria they have their different festival they perform ,either before planting season or at the end of the year, to thank God and ancestors for good harvest and others.
“As for me and the good people of Ekowe, we will continue to join the great Oba Ewuare II in the promotion, preservation of our rich culture to the people,” he said.
While pledging his loyalty to the Oba, Pa Agbontaen promised to continue to abide by the laws and tradition of the great kingdom and also urged the people not engage in activities that are forbidden in Benin Kingdom.
