Mbomuzo Amainyi 2026: Imo State Stands Still for Colourful Eke Ngu Cultural Fiesta
By Everest Ezihe, Ihitte Uboma
The ancient Amainyi clan in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State was agog last Monday as indigenes and visitors gathered in a colourful display of tradition, music and unity to celebrate the annual Eke Ngu Cultural Fiesta.
The celebration, which drew people from within and outside the community, heralded the much-anticipated 2026 Mbomuzo Cultural Fiesta scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Ekeikpa Amainyi Market Square.
The three traditional rulers who are custodians of the cultural and traditional heritage of the three autonomous communities that make up the ancient Amainyi Kingdom were all present, demonstrating a strong spirit of unity, love and common purpose.
They are HRH Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna, Eze Ohazurumee, Inyi III of Amainyi; HRH Eze Martins Keke, Opara Na Dim I of Amainyinta; and HRH Eze Kelechi Okeke, Awa I of Umuawaeke Amainyi.
It was indeed a spectacle to behold as Eze Ogbonna, dressed in his distinctive and colourful royal regalia, first assembled members of his cabinet, eminent sons and daughters of the community, their wives, maidens, cultural dance troupes, drummers, flutists and members of the media at his palace.
From the palace, the royal entourage proceeded in a grand procession to Eke Amainyi Market Square, the venue of the Eke Ngu Cultural Fiesta.
The royal procession was accompanied by nostalgic cultural songs celebrating bravery, patriotism, courage and the exploits of the ancestors. Drummers and flutists performed in harmony with the singing, dancing and excitement of the people.
Eze Ogbonna’s majestic outing was greeted with seven thunderous cannon salutes as he stepped out of his palace, prompting loud cheers and admiration from his subjects.
The royal train later made a stop at the community’s newly rehabilitated arena, where the gigantic wooden Ikoro, the traditional talking drum, is situated.
At that point, the dancers, flutists, masquerades and other members of the royal entourage increased the tempo of their performances as the Ikoro player repeatedly struck the massive drum with two special sticks.
The atmosphere prompted Eze Ogbonna to pause, smiling and nodding in appreciation while holding his golden staff of office. The royal entourage was again greeted with seven cannon salutes, symbolically signalling a peaceful and safe passage.
As the procession moved along the busy Amainyi-Ishinweke Express Road, accompanied by singing, dancing, drumming and fluting, many subjects lined the roadside to wave and cheer their traditional ruler. Some enthusiastically joined the procession.
The excitement reached its climax when the royal train made a triumphant entry into the famous Eke Ngu Market Square. Eze Ogbonna and his entourage were received with 21 cannon salutes as the traditional ruler moved around the expansive market square amid cheers and songs of gratitude before taking his seat on one of the three royal golden thrones.
In his welcome address of declaring the occasion open, Chief Charles Obilo, KSJI, Chairman of the 2026 Ancient Amainyi Kingdom Mbomuzo Planning Committee, thanked the dignitaries and members of the public for identifying with the community and its rich cultural heritage.
”As we gather during this special season, let us celebrate the beauty of our customs, language, music, dance and communal spirit.
”These are treasures that define us, as a people and distinguish us among the nations of the world. Through festivals such as Eke-Ngu, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peace and foster unity within our communities,” he said.
Obilo commended the traditional rulers, elders and cultural custodians whose dedication and wisdom, he said, had ensured that the festival continued to thrive.
”Your efforts in preserving our customs and guiding the younger generation are worthy of commendation,” he added.
He also urged young people to take pride in their cultural identity and imbibe the values of respect, hard work, honesty and community service cherished by their ancestors.
”The future of our culture rests in your hands, and it is your duty to uphold and protect it,” he proudly told the youths
The planning committee chairman, further called on the people to use the occasion to renew their commitment to peace, progress and development of the ancient clan.
”Let us work together to build stronger communities, support one another and create opportunities that will benefit present and future generations.”
He also prayed that the festival would bring joy to the people, strengthen their unity and inspire greater prosperity throughout Amainyi ancient community.
”May our traditions continue to flourish, and may future generations proudly inherit the cultural legacy we celebrate today,” Obilo said.
Adding his voice, HRH Eze Kelechi Okeke, Awa I of Umuawaeke Amainyi and host traditional ruler for the 2026 Ancient Amainyi Kingdom Eke Ngu/Mbomuzo Cultural Fiesta, expressed gratitude for the massive turnout and commended the determination of the planning committee to excel.
He equally prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon all the sons and daughters of the ancient Amainyi clan.
Eze Okeke further described the festival as a cherished celebration of the people’s heritage, identity and unity of purpose.
According to him, “Eke-Ngu Festival is more than a cultural gathering; it is a symbol of our history, values and traditions handed down to us by our forefathers. It reminds us of who we are, where we came from and the responsibilities we should do so as to preserve our rich cultural heritage for future generations.”
In his speech, HRH Eze Martins Keke, Opara Na Dim I of Amainyinta, also stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and traditional practices of the Amainyi people.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, Prince Obioha Ndukwe, described Eke Ngu as a famous ancestral cultural heritage.
Ndukwe expressed appreciation for the colourful cultural extravaganza and commended the organisers and the three traditional rulers for their unity of purpose, commitment to cultural sustainability and efforts towards the promotion of the people’s heritage.
He urged parents to properly train their children and discourage antisocial behaviours, particularly cultism, while assuring the people of the local government’s support for genuine cultural and traditional heritage activities.
In further demonstration of the people’s commitment to promoting, preserving and sustaining their cultural identity, their illustrious son, Chief Kelechi Nwaoba, an Executive Director in Union Bank PLC and Special Guest Speaker, was represented by Lady Mrs. Blessing Nwaoba, the APC candidate for the 2027 Ihitte Uboma State Constituency election, owing to exigencies of duty.
Nwaoba, whose chieftaincy title is Akajimba Ide I of Amainyi, presented a well-researched and documented 28-page paper on the topic, “Harnessing Culture, Unity and Collective Action for Sustainable Community Development.”
His presentation was in line with the theme of the 2026 Mbomuzo Festival of Unity: Igwe Bu Ike – Clearing the Path to a Prosperous Amainyi Ancient Community.
The financial management expert noted that his proposals for the greatness, accelerated development and transformation of the ancient community did not require a government minister, foreign donor or miracle.
According to him, the needed ingredients already exist in the collective strength, intelligence, resources, love and unity of purpose of the people of Amainyi.
Other highlights of the occasion included the preparation and preservation of Ngu, popularly known as African salad, by the women of Awaeke, led by Ugoeze Kelechi Okeke; the cutting of the anniversary cake; a cultural dance competition involving women from the three autonomous communities that make up the ancient Amainyi clan; and special performances by the Koboko Cultural Band.
Indeed, the age-long cultural and traditional festival of the Amainyi people, driven by their cultural and philosophical belief that “Igwe Bu Ike – Our culture, our heritage and our pride,” once again provided an opportunity for the people to celebrate their identity, strengthen communal unity and promote collective action towards the sustainable development of their ancient ancestral community.
With the colourful Eke Ngu celebration successfully concluded, attention now shifts to the grand 2026 Mbomuzo Cultural Fiesta, scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Ekeikpa Amainyi Market Square by 12 noon.
