Anambra outlaws parallel celebration of new yam festival

Anambra State Government has officially banned parallel celebrations of the New Yam festival, commonly known as Iri Ji or Iwa Ji, in communities across the state. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs issued a directive aimed at preserving the sanctity of traditional customs and preventing potential unrest.

Commissioner Chief Vin Ezeaka stated that the government observed unlawful activities where individuals and groups organized their own New Yam festivals, either before or concurrently with the traditional rulers' celebrations. He emphasized that this practice directly contravenes the established customs and traditions of the people.

"This amounts to unlawful usurping of the traditional rights of royal fathers and creation of room for possible breakdown of law and order in the affected communities," Ezeaka said. The government reiterated its previous directives to all communities, communicated through letters to Presidents-General and traditional rulers, reinforcing the ban.

Effective immediately, no individual or group is permitted to hold any New Yam Festival, regardless of its local name, before the traditional rulers or on the same date as their official celebration. The government's action seeks to uphold the authority of traditional rulers and maintain order within the communities.

“

This amounts to unlawful usurping of the traditional rights of royal fathers and creation of room for possible breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.