Celebrate Life at Ito-Ogbo Festival in Anambra State, Nigeria
The Ito-Ogbo Festival is a revered cultural event celebrated predominantly by the Obosi people in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. This festival which occurs every 3 years is dedicated to honoring the elderly members of the community, specifically those aged between 80 and 89 years who are of the same age grade. Ito-Ogbo Festival has deep historical roots and plays a significant role in the cultural identity and social structure of the Obosi community.
Obosi People in Anambra State
Obosi Ukwala is located in a hilly area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is bordered by Onitsha to the northwest, Nkpor to the northeast, and Oba to the southeast, all part of the old Idemili Local Government Area, with the exception of Onitsha. The lands of Obosi encompass areas like Nkpor, Enekwasumpu layout, and parts of Awada. Despite disputes and renaming of these lands, Obosi remains the original owner of these territories.
Obosi was said to be founded by a hunter by name of Adike in 16th century. Since then, the community has emerged as a center of trade and commerce. The town’s strategic location contributed to its prominence in regional trade networks. Today, Obosi is home to several historic landmarks that reflect its storied past, including the Ojukwu Bunker, the Oba’s Palace, and the Obosi Community Museum.
Renowned for their business acumen, strong cultural traditions, particularly music and dances, the Obosi community’s identity is often showcased during various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Among the most notable festivals are the New Yam Festival which is celebrated in August, the Ofala Festival which holds in October, to mark the coronation of the town’s traditional ruler, the Obi of Obosi and the Ito-Ogbo Festival which is like a grand birthday celebration for octogenarians of the same age grade within the community.
They are also known for traditional crafts, including pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. These crafts are passed down through generations and hold significant cultural value. The town’s artisans continue to preserve and promote these traditional skills, contributing to the cultural richness of Obosi.
The town is home to several educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational institutions like the School of Health Technology. In addition to its schools, Obosi hosts various religious establishments, including churches and mosques, reflecting the town’s diverse religious traditions. Since the Nigerian Civil War, Obosi has experienced significant immigration from other parts of Nigeria. This influx has resulted in a diverse population, with only one in fifteen residents considered indigenous to Obosi. The town has seen extensive development, with housing districts such as Maryland (now Fegge), Ata Mpama (now part of Ogbaru LGA), Ugwuagba, Enekwasumpu, Achaputa, Nkpikpa, Ozala, and Little Wood.
Major institutions like the Electrical Material Dealers, motor spare part Markets, Anambra Broadcasting Service Awada Obosi, and Minaj Broadcast International have contributed to the town’s growth. As of 2020, Obosi had an estimated population of over 1.5 million, making it one of the densely populated cities in Anambra State. Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the famous international diplomat, was born and raised in the town.
Obosi’s rich history, cultural heritage, and continued development make it a significant community in Anambra State. The town’s festivals, crafts, educational institutions, and diverse population reflect its vibrant and dynamic nature, rooted in a deep appreciation of tradition and community.
Historical Background of the Ito-Ogbo Festival
The origins of the Ito-Ogbo Festival can be traced back over 500 years, with some historical accounts suggesting it dates as far back as 400 AD. The festival is primarily a thanksgiving event, celebrating the lives and achievements of the community’s octogenarians. The Obosi people believe that reaching the age of 80 is a significant milestone, one that deserves communal recognition and celebration. The festival’s name, “Ito-Ogbo,” translates to “celebration of age at 80,” reflecting its purpose.
Historically, the festival was exclusive to men, who would dress in traditional loincloths and partake in rituals to mark their transition into the esteemed age group. Over time, however, the festival evolved to include women, allowing both genders to be celebrated and honored for their longevity.
Age Grades and Their Role
Age grades are a fundamental aspect of the Ito-Ogbo Festival. These are groups formed by individuals born within a specific three-year period. Each age grade plays a crucial role in organizing and executing the festival’s events. The age grades foster a sense of unity and competition among members, driving the community’s development through collective efforts in various projects, such as building infrastructure and promoting cultural practices.
Schedules of Festivities’ Activities
The Ito-Ogbo Festival is marked by a series of vibrant and culturally rich activities. The celebration spans three consecutive days, typically from Friday to Sunday.
Friday: The Eve of the Festival
The festivities commence on Friday, considered the eve of the festival. Families often host cocktail parties to welcome guests and build anticipation for the main event.
Saturday: The Main Event
Saturday is the highlight of the festival. The octogenarians, dressed in elaborate traditional attire, are escorted to the Aforadike Square or a similar central venue by their families, well-wishers, and traditional music groups. The celebrants are honored with titles and inducted into the octogenarian age grade by the traditional ruler of Obosi, His Royal Highness Eze Chidubem Iweka III. During the ceremony, the men are adorned with red caps, signifying their new status as “Ogbueshi” (a title for an octogenarian who has killed a cow), while the women receive red scarves. Certificates of honor are also presented to the celebrants. The atmosphere is filled with joy, music, and dancing as the community comes together to celebrate. Notable dignitaries often attend the festival. For instance, the 2021 festival featured representatives from the Federal Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The 2024 festival saw the attendance of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and former Minister for Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, among others.
Sunday: The Grand Finale
Sunday marks the grand finale of the Ito-Ogbo Festival. In the evening, the Ogbueshis are taken to the Eke market square or a church, depending on their religious affiliations, to receive final blessings from traditional priests or Christian clergy. The celebrants then shoot guns in jubilation, marking the end of the festival.
The 2024 Ito-Ogbo Festival
The weeks preceding up to the occasion will be filled with activities like as football games, masquerade shows, seminars, and beauty pageants.
The 2024 Ito-Ogbo Festival was a remarkable event, celebrated with grand style and cultural fervor. Held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the festival saw the Oforka age grade members crowned Ogbueshi by Eze Obosi, His Royal Highness Eze Chidubem Iweka III. The event was graced by prominent figures, including the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Osita Chidoka.
The Ito-Ogbo Festival 2024 was a magnificent event, 120 octogenarians from Uruowulu village, Ire village, and other villages in Obosi, who were celebrated and honored with the prestigious Ogbueshi title. The festival was a colorful and vibrant affair, with the Ito-Ogbo arena filled with jubilant dance troupes, celebrants adorned in their distinctive Ito-Ogbo uniforms, and surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.
At the beginning of the ceremony, following the traditional kola nut ritual, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, delivered a heartfelt address. He called for the Ito-Ogbo ceremony to be adopted by the United Nations as a model for caring for the elderly, highlighting its role in promoting longevity. Igwe Iweka emphasized that only those who have reached the age of eighty and participated in the Ito-Ogbo Obosi are eligible to wear the red cap and join the ranks of Ndi Ichie Obosi. He also announced that these honored elders are now exempt from all levies and manual labor within the community, underscoring the community’s preference for celebrating their elderly while they are still alive.
Chief Austine-Cosmos Anibogwu, the Traditional Prime Minister of the community, traced the origins of Ito-Ogbo Obosi back 500 years. He stressed the importance of other communities adopting similar practices to honor their elderly, which in turn promotes longevity and allows younger generations to benefit from their wisdom and experience. The President General of the Obosi Development Union, Barrister Chimezie Obi, spoke on the positive impact of the Ito-Ogbo Obosi on the mindset of Ndi Obosi, particularly those over fifty, who now strive to live well in anticipation of reaching this revered milestone. He described the celebration as the greatest gift that can be given to the elderly while they are still alive.
Mr. Chinedu Nwogem, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Ito-Ogbo Obosi 2024, expressed his gratitude to Ndi Obosi for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. He congratulated all the celebrants and prayed for continued grace in their lives. The event also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the town, including the Commissioner for Works, Engineer Ifeanyi Okoma, and Comrade Uzochukwu Ochokwu for his contributions to educational growth in the community. The festivities concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake by the celebrants at their various homes, where they continued the celebrations with their guests.
Significance and Impact
The Ito-Ogbo Festival is not just a celebration of individual or collective longevity of an age grade but also a reflection of the community’s values and social structure. It serves multiple purposes. First of all, it is a means of preserving the cultural practices of the Obosi people. The festival helps preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Obosi people, showcasing traditional music, dance, and attires. The Ito-Ogbo festival also promotes community unity by bringing together people from all walks of life, including indigenes in the diaspora. The African tradition of respect and recognition of the elderly is a great aspect of this festival. The elderly in Obosi are celebrated in such a grand manner which further instills a deep respect for the aged within the community. The Ogbueshis are revered and held in high esteem, exempt from communal taxes and labor. Economically, the festival attracts tourists and dignitaries, thereby boosting the local economy and enhancing the town’s visibility on a national and international level. Efforts are underway to have the Ito-Ogbo Festival recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage event. This is a festival that motivates the elderly to live a healthy lifestyle in anticipation of reaching the age of 80 and be celebrated. This motivates younger generations to care for their health and wellbeing and that of their parents with the aim of achieving this significant milestone.
The Ito-Ogbo Festival of Obosi is a unique celebration that honors the elderly, strengthens community bonds, and promotes cultural preservation. As the festival continues to evolve and gain recognition, it remains a cornerstone of the Obosi community’s identity and a source of pride for its people.