Igwe Onyido celebrates new yam, tasks indigenes to preserve Igbo cultures
By Uzo Ugwunze
Igwe Alex Onyido (Ezechuomagha) of Ogidi kingdom, Idemili North of Anambra State has called on Igbos to preserve their rich cultural heritage, be law abiding, eschew all forms of violence and fear God.
Igwe Onyido who made the call at his palace during his new yam festival popularly called ‘Alo mmuo’ in Ogidi kingdom said that despite the advent of Christianity people should not allow the rich cultures of Ndigbo to go extinct.
“Igbos have good and rich cultures. For instance, Alo mmuo is a festival we do to thank the Almighty God and our forefathers cum angels under the Earth who granted us bumper harvest from our crops after the planting season.
“The angels are the spirit of our forefathers who lives with us. During Alo mmuo we eat with them believing God for increase of yields in our farm produce and other businesses next year or season.
“It is also a period when we see ourselves, felicitate with family members both at home and in diaspora, our distant relatives, friends, neighbors and tenants. We interact, help ourselves, unwind and remind ourselves of good old days.
“Although there is no penalty for people who eat new yam without celebrating Alo mmuo but in the olden days someone may suffer stomach upset (runny stomach) for discreting this tradition”, said Igwe Onyido.
Reacting on the state of insecurity, the monarch further asked youths to fear God, be law abiding and to eschew violence saying that the fear of God brings progress.
According to Chief Chuma Onwuzulike(Akuchukwu Ogidi), Ndi Anambra are not known for violence, kidnapping or killing rather we are happy people, our brothers keeper and known for being industrious.
“Out king is generally accepted and crowned by the whole community. Alo muo 2022 is well celebrated and attended because peace has returned to the land”, said Onwuzulike.
President General of Ogidi, Chief Jideofor Onubogu, High Chief Stephen Ibegbu Omeluora and Chief George Igbokwe SAN all reiterated the significance of Alo mmuo saying that their is nothing fetish about the festival but a period of thanksgiving as practiced by their ancestors.
Also, Dr. Ifenna Onyido(Isisiata Ogidi), General manager Albien factory, Mr. Obiora Ume Obinwa and others prayed God to bless Igwe Onyido with more wisdom, health and long life asking God to help the monarch establish more pharmaceutical industries making him a mega employer of labor.
Pics: His Magesty, Igwe Pharm. Alex Onyido (Ezechumagha 1 of Ogidi) flanked by Pg Ogidi, Chief Chuka Onubuogu during the 2022 Alo Mmuo festival.
