Iri-Ji Mbaise 2026: Ezeji Leadership Insists on August 15 Festival, Rejects Parallel Planning Committee

Iri-Ji Mbaise 2026: Ezeji Leadership Insists on August 15 Festival, Rejects Parallel Planning Committee

By Vivian Iwu 

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As preparations intensify for the 2026 New Yam Festival in Mbaise, the leadership of Ndi Ezeji Mbaise has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving what it describes as the cultural and spiritual authenticity of the annual Iri-Ji celebration, while distancing itself from what it called unauthorized parallel arrangements.


Speaking during a briefing with members of the Central Planning Committee for Iri-Ji Mbaise 2026, the President-General of Ezeji Mbaise, Chief Linus Nwajere, declared that the August 15 festival would be celebrated as one of the foremost cultural events in Nigeria and beyond.


Chief Nwajere emphasized that Ndi Ezeji would continue to uphold the traditional and spiritual significance of Iri-Ji Mbaise, describing the festival as a sacred covenant between the people of Mbaise and God, whom he referred to as Yahweh-Ahiajoku, the giver of abundant harvest.


According to him, the essence of the festival goes beyond entertainment and cultural displays, representing centuries of tradition, thanksgiving and communal identity.


The President-General made the remarks while receiving reports from the Central Planning Committee headed by Dr. Kachi Nwoga, with Ezeji Anistus Ogu serving as secretary.


The committee briefed him on consultations held with the leadership of the three statutory Councils of Traditional Rulers in Aboh, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Mbaise, as well as the Chairman of the Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Mike Orji, and the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe.


Members of the committee expressed optimism that ongoing consultations would culminate in a harmonization meeting scheduled for June 11 involving stakeholders from the three Local Government Areas, with the aim of delivering what they described as the best edition of Ji Mbaise.


However, the meeting also brought to the fore growing disagreements over the organization of the annual festival.


Ndi Ezeji dismissed reports suggesting that another Central Planning Committee had been constituted elsewhere for the event, insisting that any Committee not recognized by Ndi Ezeji and the Traditional Rulers lacks legitimacy.


The group argued that the custodianship of Iri-Ji Mbaise rests traditionally with Ndi Eze and Ndi Ezeji, whom they described as the constituted authorities over culture and the Chief Custodians of the Yam Celebration.


The leadership further warned individuals and organizations against making financial commitments through accounts not officially designated for the festival, advising prospective advertisers and supporters to verify payment channels before conducting transactions.


In a strongly worded statement, the Ezeji leadership also criticized the handling of the 2025 celebration, alleging that cultural protocols were breached and claiming that the event lacked the participation of key traditional custodians.


The comments appear to be a direct response to activities associated with other groups involved in promoting Mbaise cultural events, including the influential socio-cultural organization, Ezuruezu Mbaise, which is also understood to be making plans for cultural activities around the August 15 period.


The development has sparked conversations among stakeholders about the future coordination of one of Mbaise's most celebrated cultural festivals.


While many observers have called for unity among all groups involved in promoting Mbaise heritage, others insist that questions surrounding authority, authenticity and custodianship of the festival must first be resolved.


With August 15 drawing closer, attention is now focused on whether ongoing consultations among Traditional Rulers, Ezeji Leaders, Local Government Authorities and other stakeholders will produce a unified celebration or leave Mbaise hosting parallel events.


For many sons and daughters of Mbaise, the bigger concern is ensuring that the New Yam Festival continues to serve its primary purpose of preserving culture, promoting unity and showcasing the rich heritage of the Mbaise people to the world.


 Question: Should all Mbaise cultural groups unite under one Iri-Ji celebration, or is there room for separate festivals as long as Mbaise culture is being promoted?


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