By Ohanele Casmir- +19176796448
It is another new yam festival in Mbaise nation. Yearly and precisely every 15th of August, the entire Mbaise people at home and in the Diaspora gather back home or at their respective places of residence to celebrate the harvesting of new yam and to also thank God for a bumper harvest and his protection over their lives. The festival popularly called Iri Ji Mbaise has in recent time, taken an international dimension to the extent of being bankrolled by international corporate organizations. For some years now, MTN has sponsored Iri Ji Mbaise courtesy of the vision of new generation leaders of Mbaise who attracted the attention of the corporate sponsorship that has repositioned and repackaged the Mbaise new yam festival to its present international status.
This revolution could be credited to the vision of the Mbaise apex leadership group, Ezuruezu Mbaise. Under the captainship of Dr Okechukwu Aguwa, its longest serving and greatest President General so far, Iri Ji Mbaise has been taken to the next level that both Ndi Eze and Ndi Ezeji are now struggling on who controls the soul of the festival. The rivalry for the control of the festival without considering that it took some strategic and constructive thinking by some people to get it at the point it is today, has exposed the festival to unnecessary manipulation and intrigues. This is not forgetting the role played by some traditional rulers in Mbaise in making Iri ji Mbaise worth celebrating. Eze Amaefule, (Aladima Oboama) Eze B.N Amaechi, Eze R.N Amadi, Eze Leo Nwokocha and Umura of Amumara and many others have contributed in upgrading of Mbaise new yam festival
Prior to this revolution in the manner and scope of celebrating the new yam festival, Iri Ji Mbaise was celebrated at different market squares by the locals with masquerades, cultural dances led in procession by the Eze, Ezejis, and the youths dancing into the arena. Iri Ji Mbaise is one social activity in Mbaise that draws sons and daughters of the town back home for purposes of taking titles, search for spouses, or participate in community help projects. Adults may recollect with nostalgia, how the young men in their time prepare for the Iri Ji Mbaise. It was a time when the privileged ones in schools had the time to co-mingle and wriggle away from parents. It was a time when love letters were in vogue, when young men used bicycles or legs to trek long distance just to catch a glimpse of the girl they admire probably without having the guts to tell her in her face how he feels about her. Sex was not the motivation for friendship but companionship and class.
Iri Ji Mbaise was indeed an exciting moment in the communities of Mbaise. Elders were respected then, as money was not only a determinant for honour. Outsiders had no influence on the festival. It was devoid of bickering and rivalry as the only competition was on who will be the best traditional dancer. People celebrated their leaders and the yam festival was not a divisive moment but a uniting force for Mbaise living at home and abroad.
With the steam brought into Iri Ji Mbaise festival, it became a time for higher issues of interest for ndi Mbaise. In recent time, Iri Ji Mbaise has become a time when Mbaise people discuss issues that affect their socio-political and economic interest as a people. It is no more an event for the less informed. It has taken both international and academic dimension, thought provoking lectures are delivered by distinguished academics from Mbaise and international personalities are gathered in an atmosphere of interaction. With the political development in the country since the emergence of democratic process, politicians joined in the hustle for the control on planning and execution of the festival. They now see the Iri Ji festival as an opportunity to canvass for support and to propagate their interest. Opposing political forces engage in all sorts of intrigues including hiring of praise singers and thugs to create impressions.
Traditional rulers on their own have de-emphasized their cultural role, but concentrate on making money from the festival. Ezejis’ now caught in the middle of the battle between the political class and the traditional institution in the arena of the absurd has become the uncelebrated owners of the age long tradition. State governor using their power of recognition for traditional rulers have created a divide and rule scenario in the Iri Ji Mbaise celebration using their appointees and elected officials of the state from Mbaise as a conduit. These have somehow diminished the concept of Iri Ji Mbaise as was conceived by its founding fathers.
Recall again the olden days, Iri Ji Mbaise had some spiritual connection with some form of rituals carried out to appreciate the gods. Young children prepare for the event learning new dance step for Ekpe and learning how to knot the dancing wrapper and carving knives made from bamboos. That was when Iri Ji Mbaise was at its virgin stage. In those days, catechists and teachers were still the champions in the communities. Politicians of the era never had over-bearing attitude on the culture and traditions of the people. Pull him down syndrome was not the order of the day. Strangers had no say on the planning of the festival, as it was entirely Mbaise affair.
Despite the new dimension of Iri Ji Mbaise, it is still being celebrated with dances like Ekpe, Abigbo, Agbacha Ekuru Nwa, nkwa ji and other traditional music groups. Today, western music have been infused into the celebration as band stands and groups blaring Nigeria hip hop music grace the arena of the celebration which now rotate among the three local government areas of Mbaise. As the society continues to progress, as the people of Mbaise continue to make inroads in the area of politics, public service, business, entertainment, priesthood and in other fields of human endeavour, some culture, traditions and festivals in Mbaise have to taste transformation. Iri Ji Mbaise undoubtedly succumbed to the modernization brought by internationally exposed sons and daughters of Mbaise.
Iri ji Mbaise having been dis-virgined to meet to the flirtatious demands of globalization, modernization, and modern day leaders, has come to be celebrated today in the Diaspora by sons and daughters of the land. In the United States of America, United Kingdom, countries in Europe, Africa and in all the states of Nigeria, Iri Ji Mbaise for people of Mbaise Nation has become a yearly ritual. Just on Thursday 7th August , 2014, Mbaise people in Houston Texas celebrated new yam festival preparatory to going home for the grand finale.
This year 2014, Mbaise people in Mbaise land will again role out the drums and converge in their numbers to celebrate the 2014 Iri Ji Mbaise. Already, preparations are going on in all parts of the communities, Ezuruezu Mbaise, traditional rulers, Ezejis, politicians, youth groups under the umbrella of Mbaise Youth Congress, women groups are all strategizing on how to make the event a remarkable one. As usual, external forces are also gearing to put up an impression using strategies to gain recognition and struggle for supremacy for the soul of Mbaise. At an event where Mbaise people should celebrate their own, and honour their sons and daughters who have made them proud has in recent time, been an avenue by some political powers in Imo State to embarrass the Mbaise people. The governments in Imo State make use of their appointees from Mbaise who have made themselves willing tools as the black legs to infiltrate Mbaise.
With the election by the corner no doubt, this year’s Iri Ji Mbaise will attract more attention. Political office aspirants, sycophant, political godfathers, spoilers and conspirators, enemies and friends of Mbaise will all be heading to Mbaise for many reasons. No matter the reason, it is really for Ndi Mbaise to determine what they want. A united Mbaise or a selfish political appointment? A celebration of God’s blessings for a bumper harvest of yams in Mbaise or accumulation of wealth using the festival as a decoy? Disintegration of Mbaise or strengthening of Mbaise for the political and economic interest of the people? These and many other critical questions are expected to be in the minds of all Mbaise leaders and people who are labeled as ‘sense people’ by the foes of Ndi Mbaise. These are foods for thought.
2014 Iri ji Mbaise will be celebrated with Ahiazu Mbaise LGA as host. Traditionally, iri ji Mbaise should be the responsibility of Ndi Ezeji (yam title holders in Mbaise) not the prerogative of Ndi Ezes or any socio-political group who are mostly not Ndi Ezeji. But with the contributions and roles played by son distinguished sons and daughters of Mbaise and the political class in Mbaise to bring Iri Ji Mbaise to international status has made it imperative for those groups to have an input in the planning and execution of Mbaise new yam festival, Iri Ji Mbaise.
It should be on record that since the advent of our present day democracy from 1999, Iri Ji Mbaise has witnessed the presence of men and women of great influence in politics, business, academia, and in other areas of human endeavour. Distinguished Nigerians from outside Mbaise have been honoured with traditional titles at Iri Ji Mbaise festival, by Ndi Eze Mbaise in collaboration with Ezuruezu Mbaise and Ndi Ezeji, exhibiting the spirit of unity. Presidents, governors, ministers, commissioners, captains of industries, clergy, diplomats all have at one time or the other been part of Iri Ji Mbaise festival in Mbaise land.
To put things in perspective, never before the coming of Ezuruezu Mbaise and the coming of Dr Okechukwu Aguwa as its President General, has Iri Ji Mbaise been celebrated and accepted internationally as it is today which has made the tourist event a subject of rivalry for control by different groups in Mbaise. He brought more life to the festival working in close harmony with his predecessors, Sir Bon Nwakanma SAN, and Chief I.D Nwoga and the energetic leadership of the Mbaise apex leadership group. The contributions of the first Military administrator of a state in Nigeria to come from Mbaise, His Excellency, Luke Ochulor, to the new face of iri ji Mbaise cannot go unmentioned.
Never before the emergence of His Excellency, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, a distinguished son of Mbaise into politics, has Iri Ji Mbaise enjoyed the international status it has today. The contributions of political leaders and political office holders like; Distinguished Senator Chris Anyanwu, Sir Mike Ahamba SAN, Prof Fabian Osuji, Rt Hon Goddy Dikeocha, late Prof Celestine Onwuliri, Prof Viola Onwuliri, and Chief P.C Onuoha to the progress of Iri Ji Mbaise are on sound record. Dr Alex Obi, Hon Mike Iheanetu, Hon Nnanna Igbokwe, Hon Pius Nwoga, Hon Oliver Enwerem, Chief Austin Nwokorie, Hon Kelvin Agbaegbu and many others too numerous to mention in other fields of endeavour, who helped in drawing attention to the Iri ji Mbaise, cannot be forgotten. Mr Frank Nneji is a man Mbaise will always be proud of after the likes of F.U Anyanwu (Akajiaku)
These crème of Mbaise people and the acceptance of their leadership by the majority of Mbaise sons and daughters coupled with the patriotic contributions of Mbaise Youth Congress, the apex youth group in Mbaise, have made Iri Ji Mbaise a carnival. Mbaise nation has benefitted through funds raised at the well-organized Iri Ji Mbaise, courtesy of Ezuruezu and the evidence is noticeable with developmental projects.
Regrettably, this festival, that brought fame and recognition for Mbaise, a festival that used to be a unifying factor in Mbaise where the Mbaise interests are aggregated, has become a moment of rivalry for the soul of the festival. Young politicians and some misguided old ones in a bid to satisfy the selfish interest of the principals or their paymasters, have infiltrated the ranks of traditional rulers, youth groups and some other nocturnal groups to cause confusion at Mbaise new yam festival in recent time. Where did this rain meet Mbaise people?
Ndi Eze claim they should be in charge of Iri Ji Mbaise. Ndi Ezeji are asserting that since some traditional rulers in Mbaise are not yam title-holders, the Ezejis, should be in charge while traditional rulers play advisory role. Ezuruezu Mbaise gave Iri Ji Mbaise its international status and considers it a responsibility to maintain the high status it has reached and to use the opportunity provided by the event, to propagate the Mbaiseness of Mbaise. Considering the political interest of the Mbaise Nation, which draws from the desire of the people to produce an Imo State governor of Mbaise extraction with some of the most qualified candidates to serve the state, unity of purpose must be emphasized at this 2014 Iri Ji Mbaise?
Capitalizing on this not too visible rivalry in the ordinary people of Mbaise, outsiders especially the governor of Imo State using his appointees and elected officials sympathetic to him, continues to make in road into Mbaise strengthening the rivalry among different political interest groups. The government sponsors some unpatriotic few in Mbaise to use such opportunity offered by Iri Ji Mbaise to insult or embarrass Mbaise leaders who ordinarily should be celebrated by the people for their contributions and achievements and for taking Mbaise Nation to the national political grid.
On Friday, 15th August, 2014, all roads lead to Chioma Ajunwa sports stadium, Afor-Oru, for the Iri Ji Mbaise festival. As usual, dignitaries from all over Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria and the entire world will converge at the venue for different reasons. The No 6 citizen of Nigeria, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, will be there with his array of followers and political associates. The governor of Imo State will be there. It is also expected that political office aspirants and their supporters will be there with their drums to weep up support. Political hangers-on will also be around to do the bidding of their paymasters. For the citizens of Mbaise, it is a time to celebrate their yearly festival. The rivalry of political parties will no doubt be showcased as to who will outshine the other. All these are normal in a democracy and if well managed gives more credence to the political process as the people are given the opportunity to see those who wish to govern them. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in recent time. It has been a moment of unhealthy rivalry, distracting the people from enjoying the benefits and fun of the Iri Ji festival.
The essence of this contribution is to appeal to Ndi Mbaise not to allow what would be an opportunity for close ranks to become another arena of absurdity, where outside forces will use Mbaise sons and daughters to embarrass Mbaise people. Mbaise should be proud of what they have, no matter the political party. Granted that APC is in control of Imo Government House for now, it must be clear to all Mbaise sons and daughter serving in the government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha or those that have sympathy for his administration that Iri Ji Mbaise is not another activity of the government of Okorocha but an Mbaise affair, meant for Ndi Mbaise. Mbaise has produced many champions and these people are respected all over the world and should not be embarrassed for any reason by young people looking for recognition and power in Mbaise. Ndi Eze, Ndi Ezeji, and Ezuruezu should work together to ask the people of Mbaise at this crucial and auspicious occasion what they actually want? Mbaise people must ask themselves, if they are really serious to have a take at the Douglas House? They should be introspective and figure out what their chances and best options are? They should critically access their strengths and weaknesses and create a compass to navigate towards their dreams. Mbaise leaders must sit down on a round table irrespective of political party affiliation to have an agenda that will improve the well-being of Ndi Mbaise and promote their socio-polictical interest in Owerri zone, Imo, and in the federation.
Mbaise people should tell themselves the truth knowing that people without respect for their leaders are bound to hit themselves on the leg. Mbaise people should not allow themselves to be used to pull down their own champions. Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, irrespective of his political aspirations, is the highest political office holder in Nigeria from Mbaise, who has done a lot to uplift the people and integrity of Mbaise. Ihedioha has never been indicted for any scandal since he ventured into politics. Mbaise people can at any time use that as a proof of their sincerity and honesty in public service. He must be accorded the respect and honour he deserves in Mbaise. Mbaise has a serving senator, a serving minister and elected representatives of the people and these leaders should be accorded respect in Mbaise. The appointees of Imo government should also be accorded their respect, as respect they say is reciprocal.
The youths of Mbaise should not allow themselves to be used as tools for mayhem in Mbaise. Speeches at the festival should not degenerate into abuses rather; it should be centered on how Mbaise’s interest should be pursued. Remember, Iri Ji Mbaise is an age long culture and tradition of Mbaise and the spirit of the ancestors of Ndi Mbaise will not forgive any scapegoat used to cause confusion or bring the name of Mbaise to ridicule. Let the fun of the festival be reinvigorated with dance, celebrations, and exchange of brotherly love and hospitality to friends and visitors in Mbaise. This is a time for unity in Mbaise not rivalry. I commend the leadership of Mbaise youth Congress for the awareness they have been creating on the social media on the Iri Ji Mbaise. I also salute the proactive, diplomatic, tactful, and daring leadership qualities of the President General Of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Dr Okechukwu Aguwa who had faced criticism in his vision of setting Mbaise on a higher pedestal. I will not end without asking for eternal rest for the souls of all Mbaise sons and daughters who have passed-on, who contributed to the progress in Mbaise. May I appeal to all opposing interests in Mbaise positioning for power and for control of the festival to resolve and agree with this writer that 2014 Iri Ji Mbaise will be a time for unity not rivalry.
Ohanele Casmir (Casca is the News Editor of Trumpeta and wrote from New York, USA. 19176796448)
