The Anambra State Government has banned individuals and groups from organising parallel New Yam festivals in communities across the state.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in a statement signed by the Commissioner, Chief Vin Ezeaka, and made available to journalists in Awka.
The government said the decision followed reports of what it described as unlawful activities by some individuals and groups who organise New Yam celebrations independently of traditional rulers.
According to the Commissioner, such practices contravene the customs and traditions of the people and could create tension capable of disrupting peace and order in affected communities.
He recalled that the government had previously communicated the directive to Presidents-General and traditional rulers across the state.
The Commissioner said some individuals and groups had continued to organise New Yam festivals before or on the same day fixed by traditional rulers.
He described the practice as an unlawful attempt to usurp the traditional rights of royal fathers and warned that it could create room for a breakdown of law and order.
The government therefore directed that, with immediate effect, no individual or group should organise a New Yam Festival, Iwa Ji, Iri Ji or any similar celebration before the traditional ruler or on the same date as the traditional ruler’s official celebration.
The Ministry urged all communities and residents to comply with the directive, stressing the need to respect established customs, traditional institutions and the authority of recognised traditional rulers.
The government warned that any group or individual who violates the directive may face appropriate action in accordance with the law.
