The Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Ancient Royalty, Eze E.C. Okeke, has reaffirmed that the ban on cultural festivities across Igboland remains in effect.
In a press statement personally signed by Eze Okeke, he stated that the region is in a period of mourning following the recent loss of notable Igbo leaders, including Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Ubah, Ogbonnaya Onu, and Ngozi Onwenu. The mourning period, declared by the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohaneze Ndigbo, necessitated the cancellation of all cultural events, including the annual Igbo New Yam Festival.
Eze Okeke highlighted the profound impact of losing such prominent figures within a short period, describing it as a calamitous loss. He noted that proceeding with celebratory events would show insensitivity to the grief felt across Igboland.
“It would have amounted to self-ridicule and obvious insensitivity to Ndigbo if the region had continued with such centralized gatherings to merry while mourning these great leaders,” he emphasized.
The traditional ruler also issued a stern warning against violating the ban, describing any such act as a betrayal to the Igbo cause. He stated, “We shall consider whoever violates or attempts to breach this sacred decision as a great enemy of Ndigbo and may request explanations for such actions.”
Eze Okeke urged all Igbo associations, state governments, and stakeholders to respect the ongoing mourning period, which honors the departed leaders who played critical roles in advancing the Igbo cause.
