Iyeri Festival of Ughelli People: A Celebration of Heritage and Spirituality
The Iyeri Festival is the most significant and widely celebrated festival of the Ughelli Kingdom, a vibrant and historically rich community in Delta State, Nigeria. Celebrated annually in September, this festival is a testament to the deep cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and communal values of the Ughelli people. The festival, rooted in history, commemorates Princess Irivwidide, a revered warrior priestess of the Orevwo deity, whose bravery and divine connection shaped the identity of her people.
This article delves into the origin, significance, rituals, and celebrations of the Iyeri Festival, offering a detailed insight into its unique cultural heritage.
Origins and Historical Significance of the Iyeri Festival
The Iyeri Festival dates back to the 1940s and is associated with Princess Irivwidide, a fearless warrior and priestess of the Orevwo deity. Despite being childless, she was deeply loved and respected by her people. She played a pivotal role in leading Ughelli warriors into battle, invoking the power of Orevwo, a war deity that manifested as a deer (Orhua) during battles, guiding warriors to either victory or retreat based on its movement.
Before her death, Princess Irivwidide requested that a festival be established in her honor to celebrate her achievements and keep her memory alive. She also instructed that the festival feature the washing of the Ihenri, relics made from the bones and horns of large animals, used for ancestral worship. These relics, kept by elders of Ughelli families, symbolize the spiritual connection between the people and their ancestors.
Main Rituals and Practices of the Iyeri Festival
The Iyeri Festival spans nine days, each with its distinct activities and rituals:
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Dance Processions
The festival begins at dawn with a grand dance procession, where men, women, boys, and girls participate.
The dancing lasts until noon, after which animals are sacrificed, and food is shared among the people.
The Ovie (king) of Ughelli Kingdom is honored with gifts and tributes.
The highlight of the day is the washing of the Ihenri, where relics are carried to Echerode Stream near Otovwodo for sanctification.
Celebrants chant traditional battle cries, such as “Obe Kpo Vo” and “Ukpete Avwore Kpete Avwore”, while invoking ancestral spirits.
Day 2: Worship of Ancestral Spirits (Iye Esemo/Iyeri Uvo)
The Ihenri relics are taken to the Orevwo shrine, where they are offered traditional meals like pounded yam (Egu re one) and soup.
The Ovie serves the Irivwivie (kingdom ancestors), while family heads offer sacrifices to their individual ancestral shrines.
Day 3: Tribute to Departed Mothers (Iye Iniemo)
A special day set aside for the worship of deceased mothers, acknowledging their roles in family lineage and cultural continuity.
Days 4-7: Traditional Dance Performances and Feasting
Different cultural dance groups perform, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Ughelli people.
Continuous feasting, drinking, and communal bonding take place.
Day 8: The Grand Boat Regatta (Umalokun)
The Ighwreko people stage a colorful boat regatta known as Umalokun.
Participants dress in vibrant traditional attire and paddle canoes along the Ughelli River.
The regatta is accompanied by war songs and energetic dances.
Day 9: Torch Procession and Closing Rites
The festival concludes with a symbolic torch-bearing procession.
Wooden torches are carried through every street of Ughelli villages, then into the bush.
This act symbolizes sending back the spirits of ancestors and deities to their realm until the next celebration.
Cultural and Social Significance of the Iyeri Festival
The Iyeri Festival serves multiple functions within the Ughelli Kingdom:
Spiritual Connection:
Strengthens the bond between the living and the ancestral spirits.
Invokes blessings for peace, prosperity, and protection.
Historical Preservation:
Keeps alive the heroic legacy of Princess Irivwidide.
Reinforces the sacred role of Orevwo deity and the Orhua deer in Ughelli history.
Community Unity and Celebration:
Encourages social bonding through shared festivities.
Offers an opportunity for Ughelli people in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.
Tourism and Economic Growth:
Attracts visitors, cultural enthusiasts, and researchers.
Boosts local businesses through sales of traditional attires, crafts, and food.
The Timeless Legacy of Iyeri Festival
The Iyeri Festival of Ughelli remains a powerful expression of culture, history, and spirituality. With its deep-rooted traditions and vibrant celebrations, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the Ughelli people.
As efforts to preserve African indigenous festivals grow, the Iyeri Festival stands as a shining example of how heritage can be celebrated, honored, and passed down to future generations. Whether you are a historian, cultural enthusiast, or a visitor, attending this festival is an experience that immerses you in the rich traditions of the Ughelli Kingdom.
Iyeri Festival of Ughelli People
1. What is the significance of the Orhua (deer) in the Iyeri Festival?
The Orhua deer symbolizes Orevwo deity’s guidance in battle. Its movement during wars determined the strategy of Ughelli warriors.
2. Why is the festival named Iyeri?
The name Iyeri is derived from the traditional rites performed in honor of Princess Irivwidide and ancestral spirits.
3. Can non-indigenes participate in the festival?
Yes! The Iyeri Festival is open to all visitors interested in experiencing Ughelli culture and traditions.
4. How can one experience the festival firsthand?
To witness the festival, visitors should travel to Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, in September, when the festival is held annually.
5. What are the key attractions of the festival?
Major attractions include the washing of Ihenri relics, cultural dance performances, the Umalokun boat regatta, and the grand torch procession.
By preserving and celebrating the Iyeri Festival, the Ughelli people continue to honor their ancestral legacy, keeping their rich cultural traditions alive for future generations.
