It was a roll call of personalities as people from all walks of life converged at the ancient kingdom of Edeaniagu in Ishi-Ozalla, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State to celebrate the unique culture of the people.
This is also as the people have begged Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to grant them autonomous community status.
Our correspondent, who attended the annual festival, reports that the Edeaniagu people showcased their diverse cultural heritage to the admiration of guests.
Different masquerades and cultural dances were on ground to entertain the crowd.
The event commenced with the arrival of the traditional head of Edeaniagu clan, Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke (The Ishi 1 of Ishi-Ozalla), accompanied by the elders in Council and titled men.
Addressing the indigenes and the guests, Nweke who is also the “Ede 1 of Edeaniagu” and the “Ureavueze 11”, said the annual event remains a platform to not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Edeaniagu clan but to ensure its sustainability and possible transmission from one generation to another.
He reiterated the commitment of every son and daughter of Edeaniagu to compliment efforts of the government to the overall development of the Edeaniagu clan, Ishi-Ozalla and Nkanu land.
He called on those championing divisions in the community to desist or face the full wrath of the gods.
In a remark, an indigene of Edeanigu Clan and “Ufam of Ozalla Land, Prof. Muna Nweke Okoye expressed joy over the homogeneity and peaceful disposition of the people and called for its sustainability.
Going down memory lane, Prof Muna Nweke said that Edeaniagu was the aborigine in Ozalla land, noting that no amount of oppression and intimidation can change history.
She encouraged the people to continue to toe the path of truth, peace and respect to culture, saying prophetically that the time to reclaim their rightful position in Ishi-Ozalla was near.
Members of the community, who spoke with newsmen, pledged their continued loyalty to the leadership of Ishi 1 of Ishi-Ozalla and appealed to the Enugu State government to approve their application for an autonomous community to enhance rapid development in the area.
Enugu: Ishi-Ozalla community showcases cultural heritage, begs for autonomy