As the Ekpeye nation prepares for the annual Ogwu Ekpeye Festival, custodians of Ekpeye culture and tradition have issued a public reminder on age-long customs that guide the celebration of the new yam season.
The Ogwu Ekpeye Festival is a sacred period of peace, thanksgiving, cleansing, and unity for all Ekpeye people at home and in the diaspora. To maintain its sanctity, every son and daughter of Ekpeye land is expected to observe the following customary laws:
1. No Traditional Marriages:
Traditional marriages are not conducted during Ogwu Ekpeye. Families and couples planning traditional marriage ceremonies in September and October are advised to reschedule until after the festival period.
2. No Traditional Summoning:
Traditional summons and shrine-related litigations are prohibited during the festival. All cases are considered suspended until after Ogwu Ekpeye. Any shrine that still entertains summoning during this period should be sensitised on Ekpeye customary laws. The season is for peace, not disputes.
3. No Burial Ceremonies:
Burials and burial rites are not observed during Ogwu Ekpeye. It is culturally regarded as a bad omen to die during the festival. In the event of death during this period, the deceased should be preserved in the morgue, and all burial rites deferred till after the festival.
4. No Fighting or Quarrelling:
Fighting, quarrels and keeping of malice are strictly forbidden. Even in the face of provocation, Ekpeye people are enjoined to maintain peace, forgive, and uphold unity throughout the festival period.
5. Charity and Almsgiving is Encouraged:
Ogwu Ekpeye is a season of love and sharing. Those who are blessed are encouraged to show kindness through almsgiving, philanthropy and support to neighbours, relatives and the less privileged.
6. Ekpeye Kings Must Not Celebrate Outside Ekpeye Land:
By tradition, all Ekpeye kings are not expected to travel or celebrate the Ogwu Ekpeye Festival outside Ekpeye land. They are to remain within the kingdom to perform their traditional obligations for the peace and prosperity of the land.
Members of the public, traditional institutions, and religious leaders are urged to take note and ensure compliance, in order to preserve the sanctity and cultural heritage of the Ekpeye people.