The Edo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dissociated itself from the proposed New Yam Festival and Cultural Day being planned by the Igbo Community Union, Benin Branch, describing the event by outlaws as illegal and insensitive to the traditional institution of the Benin Kingdom.
The socio-cultiral organisation, in a statement signed by its President, Chief Benjamin Ezekwere, said the planned event violates Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide’s position on the performance of Ezeigbo functions outside Igboland, including Edo State.
According to the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has prohibited Ezeigbo titles and their associated functions outside Igboland, adding that the New Yam Festival is traditionally performed by recognised traditional rulers and Ezes in their respective communities in Igboland.
The organisation also claimed that the Edo State High Court had declared such activities illegal.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Edo further faulted the timing of the proposed festival, saying it coincided with important ceremonies marking the 10th Coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.
It described the decision to schedule the event on the same day as the royal ceremonies as insensitive, warning that it could be perceived as a sign of disrespect to the Oba and the revered Benin Palace.
The statement warned that proceeding with the event could threaten public peace and create unnecessary tension between the Igbo Community and its host community in Edo State.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby condemns the action as same may likely cause a breach of public peace and bring Igbos into disharmony and conflict with the host community,” the statement said.
The organisation consequently called on the Benin Palace to take all necessary steps to stop what it described as an anomaly.
It reaffirmed its opposition to the proposed event in its planned form, warning that activities capable of creating tension between the Igbo Community and the host Community should be avoided.
