His Royal Majesty, Igwe Charles Egbo Nwoye, the traditional ruler of the Amurri ancient kingdom in Enugu State’s Nkanu West area, has called on the Igbo people to safeguard their cultural heritage, emphasizing that letting it fade away would be an unforgivable loss to future generations.
During the 2024 annual ‘Oriri Anu Amurri’ festival—a celebration of the new yam harvest at the community’s market square—the monarch stressed that the identity of a people is incomplete without their cultural and traditional practices. He encouraged Igbo traditional leaders to actively protect their unique customs to ensure they are not lost.Igwe Nwoye explained the significance of the celebration, held on Afor market day, as a continuation of age-old customs in Amurri.
“What we celebrate today—Oriri Anu Amurri Esato Obodo Esato—honors the soil that sustains us. Through planting and harvesting, we are here to recognize and thank the land for its bounty in 2024,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to promoting Igbo culture as a ruler grounded in tradition.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Ubru, commended the Amurri community’s agricultural dedication, aligning with the state’s mission to strengthen food production and achieve self-sufficiency. He promised continued government support for local farmers.
Dr. Ben Nwoye, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State and a Crown Prince of Amurri, highlighted the need for religious tolerance. He urged Christian groups to respect traditional worship and avoid disparaging indigenous beliefs, recalling how native communities welcomed Christianity and provided spaces for churches and schools. He appealed for harmony among Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists.
The Amurri Chief Priest, John Njoku, noted that the festival also serves to bless the community and pray for peace, marking a time to celebrate the new yam and express gratitude to the land of Amurri.
SOURCE: SOUTH EAST DAILY