The Umunna/Amadehi Autonomous Community in Ubulu, Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, came alive on Sunday as HRH, King Charles Obidimbu Ejemeka, celebrated the 2025 New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) in grand style. The colourful event attracted a large crowd of indigenes, dignitaries, traditional rulers, cultural groups, and guests from far and near.
The festival began with the symbolic breaking of the yam by King Ejemeka, a sacred ritual that officially marks the commencement of yam consumption in the community. The ceremony was accompanied by rich cultural displays, including traditional dances, drumming, masquerade performances, and songs of thanksgiving, which showcased the depth of Igbo heritage.
Speaking at the event, King Ejemeka, the revered ruler of the community, highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of yam to the Igbo people.
“Yam is an essential commodity made by God in a special way for the sustenance of mankind, involving annual cultivation and harvest. Iri Ji, as it is called in Igboland, is a time of thanksgiving to God Almighty in whose power it is to produce the yam and keep us alive to harvest it,” the monarch declared.
Known also as Ogbakarioji I and Igwe III, King Ejemeka reminded the people that yam is not just food but a symbol of wealth, strength, and identity in Igbo culture. He enjoined his subjects to embrace farming with renewed zeal in order to achieve food sufficiency and fight hunger in society.
“We must take the cultivation of yam seriously. It is through farming that we ensure food security for our people and sustain our heritage,” he urged.
The atmosphere was electrifying as men, women, and children adorned in colourful traditional attire danced to the rhythms of the ogene, ekwe, and flutes, while masquerades entertained the crowd with spectacular displays. Stalls lined with freshly harvested yams, palm wine, and local delicacies added to the festive spirit.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Guest of Honour, HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Ezeudo II of Amaifeke and Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, praised King Ejemeka for his visionary leadership.
“King Ejemeka has shown capacity not just in preserving the cultural heritage of his people but also in tackling insecurity and promoting economic development. He is indeed a traditional ruler with capacity,” Eze Okeke said.
The festival, which has been passed down for generations, reaffirmed the values of unity, thanksgiving, and cultural pride. For the people of Umunna/Amadehi, the 2025 New Yam Festival was not only a celebration of harvest but also a renewal of their bond with God, their ancestors, and one another.
As the event drew to a close, King Ejemeka prayed for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests in the coming years, while reaffirming his commitment to the cultural and economic development of his people.
Watch the video clip of the event below;
