Every July, the city of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, transforms into a vibrant epicenter of cultural festivities as the Igbo people of five traditional Owerri villages come together to celebrate the Oru-Owerri festival. Known as the “traditional Christmas” of the Owerri people, this festival commemorates the founding of Owere (Owerri) by Ekwem Oha Arugo in the 14th century. With roots tracing back to approximately 1463 AD, the Oru-Owerri festival is a week-long celebration that honors life, love, and unity among the Owere Nchi Ise community.

Understanding the Oru-Owerri festival requires delving into the history of the Owerri people. The festival’s origins can be traced back to the 14th century when Ekwem Oha Arugo, the progenitor of the Owerri people, established the community. Ekwem, who had five children, had a dispute with his kindred while living in Uratta, a location near present-day Owerri.

This conflict led Ekwem to self-imposed exile with his children, during which they settled in a forested area known as Ugwu-Ekwema after finding sustenance and water from the Otamiri River. His children, Amawom, Umurorojo, Umuodum, Umuoyima, and Umuonyeche, later formed the five villages that constitute the Owere Nchi Ise.

The Oru-Owerri festival is crucial in preserving the cultural identity of the Owerri people. It serves as a period of reflection, thanksgiving, and communal bonding. The festival showcases traditional dances, music, and rituals that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to their heritage. Additionally, the festival strengthens the social fabric of the community by fostering a sense of belonging and unity.

Owerri Municipality, often referred to as the cultural melting pot of Imo State, owes much of its vibrant cultural scene to the Oru-Owerri festival. The festival attracts visitors from various parts of Nigeria and beyond, making it a significant cultural and tourist attraction. The week-long celebration features a series of events, including the roasting and eating of special yams, which marks the commencement of the festivities. This tradition is deeply rooted in the historical journey of Ekwem and his children, symbolizing sustenance and survival.

The traditional ruler of Owerri, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze Osuruigbo V, plays a pivotal role in the Oru-Owerri festival. As the custodian of the culture and traditions of the Owerri people, his presence and participation in the festival are highly revered. Visiting dignitaries and important personalities make it a point to pay homage to the traditional ruler, signifying the respect and honor accorded to the cultural leadership in Imo State.

Over the next few days, the city comes alive with music, dance, and colorful processions. The Igbo people dress in their traditional attire, adorned with colorful beads and ornaments. The women wear beautiful wrappers and head ties, while the men wear traditional Igbo clothing. The festival is a celebration of life, love, and peace. It is a
time for the Igbo people to put aside their differences and come together as one. The festival is also a time for the people to honor their ancestors and pay homage to their heritage.

The highlight of the festival is the grand procession, where the Igbo people march through the streets, singing and dancing. The procession is led by the traditional ruler of Owerri, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze Osuruigbo V. He is a respected leader and a symbol of unity and strength for the Igbo people. As the festival comes to a close, the Igbo people gather to say farewell and to look forward to the next year’s celebration.

They leave with full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they are part of a larger community that values unity, love, and peace. In a world filled with division and strife, the Oru-Owerri festival is a beacon of hope and unity. It is a celebration of life, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always something to celebrate.

The festival is a culturally significant event that showcases the Igbo people’s rich cultural heritage. It is a time for the people to come together and celebrate their shared values and traditions. The festival is also a time for the people to reflect on their history and the struggles of their ancestors.

The Oru-Owerri festival is a celebration of the Igbo people’s resilience and strength. It is a testament to their ability to come together and celebrate their shared humanity, even in the face of adversity. The festival is a reminder that unity and love are the keys to a happy and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Oru-Owerri festival is a celebration of life, love, and unity amongst the Igbo people. It is a culturally significant event that showcases the Igbo people’s rich cultural heritage and their resilience and strength. The festival is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always something to
celebrate.