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Ibusa's Cherished Ine Festival Makes a Triumphant Return

 


Ibusa's Cherished Ine Festival Makes a Triumphant Return



By Emeka Esogbue


After two years of the last enactment, the Ine/Ichu Ekwensu Festival, a beloved tradition of the Ibusa people in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, is set to make a huge comeback to the delight of the people. His Eminence, Chief Engr. Celestine Okeibunor Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa, has unveiled plans for the bi-annual festival to take place.


The community's Chief Priest recently revealed intention to newsmen in the community to celebrate the festival, a cornerstone of Ibusa's cultural heritage. A specially prepared video on the festival now being broadcast in media houses across the nation, also forwarded to PEN MASTER showcases the festival's significance and beauty.


Significantly, the Ine Festival also called Ichu Ekwensu in some quarters, holds deep spiritual and cultural relevance to the people of the community, aiming to exorcise evil spirits, cleanse the community and pave the way for development. It also aims to reunite the sons and daughters of the community, promote peace and love among them, and usher manifestations of blessings. The Ine festival is also seen to honour the legacies of Ibusa's forebears.


The date of the festival is January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. Available information states that there will be procession en route the Ikwele Royal Palace, Ezukwu, Umueze, Ogbeowele, Umuodafe, and other community quarters and as expected, the procession will be led by His Eminence, Chief Celestine Ikwele, the principal character and performer of the rituals.


As an ancient community in Anioma, Ibusa boasts a rich cultural legacy. The celebration of the Ine Festival considered sociological and traditional important to the overall progress of the community with its indigenes, underscores the community's commitment to preserving its traditions and heritage.


Since becoming the 12th Ikwele of Ibusa, His Eminence, Chief Engr. Celestine Okeibunor Okafor has received widespread acclaim from indigenes, far and wide, for his outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting Ibusa's rich cultural heritage.

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