The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has cautioned against what it described as attempts to politicise the annual Okeaku (New Yam) Festival of the Ezza Ezekuna people, urging all stakeholders to respect established cultural traditions.
In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, the association expressed concern over what it described as a departure from the traditional process of fixing and celebrating the festival, which marks the beginning of the Ezza traditional calendar.
AEISCID specifically raised concerns over a gathering reportedly organised on June 30, 2026, at the ancestral Okpoku Ezekuna (Nchionu) ground by a group identified as Ezza Elites, alleging that the event was held without the approval or guidance of recognised traditional custodians of Ezza cultural heritage.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, the organisation argued that presenting such a gathering as the official Okeaku Festival could create confusion and undermine long-standing cultural practices.
The association stressed that cultural festivals should remain sacred and free from political influence, urging community leaders and stakeholders to protect the traditions and values that have united the Ezza people for generations.
AEISCID also appealed to the organisers of the gathering to align future activities with established cultural protocols to preserve the integrity and significance of the Okeaku Festival.
The group further called on sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain peaceful and united, warning against actions capable of creating unnecessary division within the community.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting and preserving Ezza cultural heritage, the association urged all stakeholders to work collectively in safeguarding the customs and traditions that define the identity of the Ezza nation.
The statement also reminded members of the community of the popular Ezza saying, “Ezza jikotara onu, ndu lanu, olu lanu,” which it said symbolises the unity, strength and collective identity of the Ezza people.
AEISCID maintained that preserving cultural institutions should take precedence over political interests and called for continued peace, love and unity among the people of Ezza Ezekuna.
