The ancient town of Oboh in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State came alive on Saturday, 1 August 2026, as indigenes of Osuh Clan from home and the diaspora gathered in colourful celebration of the third edition of the revived Iri Ji, the traditional new yam festival.
Organised by Osuh Unity Voice in partnership with the traditional rulers of the clan, the event drew sons and daughters from Osuama, Osuowere, Osuachara and beyond to give thanks for a successful farming season and to usher in the harvest period with thanksgiving and cultural pride.
The ceremony opened with prayers led by Reverend Amarachukwu Duru, who sought divine favour for bountiful yields, peaceful intermarriages and the political advancement of Osuh people for the collective good of the community.
As chief host, His Royal Highness Eze Umunnakwe Edmund Agim, the Eze Udo IV of Osuama Ancient Kingdom, welcomed guests with the traditional presentation of kola nut. He described the day as one ordained by God for the people to express gratitude at the transition from planting to harvest.
“Today is a beautiful day that God has ordained for Osuh clan members to gather and thank God for successfully coming to the end of the farming season and stepping into the harvest season,” the traditional ruler declared.
Eze Agim reminded the gathering that the new yam festival has been observed by their ancestors for centuries. He noted that Osuh Clan, historically comprising Osuama, Osuowere and Osuachara, has grown into twenty autonomous communities, with Oboh remaining the ancestral headquarters. He further traced the clan’s kinship ties, describing Osuh as the younger brother of Abba in neighbouring Nwangele Local Government Area, and highlighted the presence of Osuh descendants in Ikperejere (Ihitte Uboma), Umuokanne (Ohaji/Egbema) and Erema in Rivers State.
Together with the Secretary of Ndi Eze Osuh, His Royal Highness Eze Chima Obiadada Nwemeh, the monarch blessed the people and toasted a prosperous 2026 for both the clan and Imo State. He issued a stern warning to elements opposed to the unity of Osuh to desist, lest they attract the displeasure of the ancestors. The traditional rulers also announced that distinguished sons and daughters of the clan would be recognised for their contributions.
The high point of the festival was the ceremonial cutting and sharing of roasted yam dipped in fresh palm oil by the traditional rulers present. Before this sacred act, High Chief Mrs Ruby Emele, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was conferred with the prestigious title of Ezi Ada Puru Iche of Osuh Clan by the Ndi Eze and their Ugoeze wives.
Receiving the honour, Commissioner Emele expressed deep appreciation. “I am happy to be honoured at home. Osuh Clan is blessed. I thank Osuh for the support they have given to our beloved Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. As we can see, Osuh scions are playing prominent roles in the governor’s cabinet,” she said.
In a related recognition, Apostle Prince Phil Madu Okunerere received an award for outstanding leadership and service to the people through free medical outreaches and the establishment of schools. The Commissioner for Finance, Honourable Chuk Chukwuemeka, congratulated the awardees and pledged continued support for the unity and progress of the clan. He also thanked Governor Uzodimma for elevating Osuh sons and daughters to first-class positions in the state cabinet.
Earlier, the President-General of Osuh Unity Voice, Ichie Kingsley Adibe, emphasised that the festival carried no political undertones. He urged all stakeholders to strengthen the cultural heritage for the greater unity of the clan. Chief Henshaw Ogubuike, the newly elected President-General of Osuh Progressive Union, assured the traditional institution of his loyalty to Eze Edmund Agim and pledged to seek the monarch’s guidance in community affairs.
The atmosphere was richly festive. Masquerades and cultural dance troupes entertained the crowd, while titled men and women, Ndi Eze, Ndi Nze and Ndi Ichie appeared in full traditional regalia alongside their spouses.
Among the dignitaries present were the Vice Chairman of Isiala Mbano Local Government, Honourable Mrs Stella Laz Onyema, who represented the Council Chairman, Evangelist Chika Okoroike; the President-General of Osuama Autonomous Community, Mr Charles Chimezie; the Nigeria Democratic Congress flagbearer for Isiala Mbano State Constituency, Emma Chijioke Okpara; and Chief Festus Onuoha, the newly elected Vice President-General 2 of Osuh Progressive Union.
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