The people of Obiaruku community in Ukwuani local government area of Delta State have said that their 2018 Ikenga Festival which comes up next week will be a peaceful one even as they called on tourists and the general public to come and see the people as they showcase their culture.
The community elders made this disclosure in a security meeting conveyed by the Executive Chairman, Ukwuani local government, Ogbuefi Chukwudi Dafe at the council’s secretariat.
The Chairman who is also the Obi – Obiaruku appealed to the
Onotu-ukus, Onochi – Ezes and the youths to put their heads together to make the 2018 Ikenga Festival a peaceful celebration.
Also, Obiaruku community have said that during the festival, carrying of arms of any kind is highly prohibited except by recognized traditional warriors and maybe their offsprings.
It was further said that all Ikenga festival activities have been said
to be restricted to only the old road as the New Sapele/Agbor, Dafe Road and Almona Streets are for visitors and other road users.
Meanwhile, Ogbuefi Chukwudi Dafe has waded into the boundary dispute between Umuaja and Obi-Obeti in the area with a call on them to embrace peace, and put aside pride and live as brothers that they are.
In line with his peace and security agenda for the Ukwuani people, the chairman promised to lead and sponsor the peace process between the two communities since both communities are ready to broker peace.
He therefore appealed to both communities to swallow their pride and give peace a chance to reign. “We must swallow our pride and think peace before our ego. We don’t want more death.” he said.
