AWKA TOWN DRAWS BATTLE LINE WITH GOVERNOR SOLUDO OVER DEMAND TO CANCEL EGWU IMO AWKA FESTIVAL FOR APGA CONVENTION AND PRIMARIES
Prominent traditionalists and chief priests of Awka Ancient Kingdom have issued a strong warning to the Anambra State Government, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and non-indigenes to hands-off the sacred dates and processes of the Egwu Imo Awka Festival.
In a decisive gathering held at Obu Imoka, key custodians of Awka tradition including High Chief Priest Nkwo keh Okoludoh (aka Akadiana Awka), the Oracle of Awka Great Ancient Kingdom (Imoka Chief Priest Obuzulu), Ashiakponnu, Ezeani, Otochali Omenana Awka Chief Nmegbuaneze, Ndi Akajiofor, and Awka Traditional executives reaffirmed that no external force, political pressure, or government directive can alter the festival dates once fixed by the deities and announced through proper traditional channels.
The tension arose after the President General (PG) of Awka Town Union and his executives were reportedly summoned by the Anambra State Chief of Staff, Ben Nwankwo, to shift the already announced dates of the Imo Awka festival to give way for APGA Convention and APGA Primary elections. According to sources close to the meeting, the PG openly admitted he lacks the traditional authority or capacity to change the dates.
*"No One Can Change the Date — Not Even the Death of the Chief Priest"*
The traditionalists delivered a clear message:
"No one, not the Chief Priest of the Imo Awka Shrine, not Ezeuzu, not the President General, and certainly not a non-Awka indigene can change the date of the Imo Awka festival once it has been fixed. Immediately the deity reveals the date to the Chief Priest through Igu Aro, that date is immutable. Not even the death of the Chief Priest himself can alter it."
They cited a powerful example to underscore the unyielding nature of Awka tradition. Ozo MC Nwofor, the oldest Ozo title holder in Awka, passed away in November 2025. However, an Awka son had already taken a date for his own Ozo title-taking ceremony. Despite the death, the late Ozo Nwofor was embalmed, and the scheduled Ozo ceremony proceeded exactly as planned without any shift.
This, they said, demonstrates the sacred and scientific precision embedded in Awka customs, which predate modern governance, the Governor, the Anambra State Government, and even Nigeria itself.
*Traditional Protocol for Announcing Dates*
According to Awka tradition:
- The deity reveals the dates to the Chief Priest (Eze Imo-Awka).
- The Chief Priest informs the appropriate traditional authority (Ezeuzu in Awka protocol) who is empowered to announce.
- The announcement then goes to the President General of the Town Union for wider broadcast.
The traditionalists stressed that political convenience, including APGA events, cannot override this ancient process. They warned the government against attempting to dictate to Awka people on matters of religion, worship, peace, accord, solemnity, science, technology (ikpuzu), and cultural heritage.
*Comparison with Other Festivals*
The Awka leaders noted that their town has historically been lenient and accommodating compared to similar festivals elsewhere:
- In the Oro Festival in parts of Lagos, non-indigenes are required to stay indoors for each day and are barred from participation.
- Similar strict observances exist in Benin and other ancient kingdoms.
They pointed out that state governments in Edo, Lagos, and elsewhere respect and observe the tenets of such traditions without interference from political leadership. Awka, they argued, has shown greater tolerance, and the government should reciprocate by respecting Awka’s rights rather than pressuring for changes.
*Background Context*
The Egwu Imoka festival is a once in a a year and the most significant cultural and spiritual events in Awka Kingdom. It honors Imoka, the guardian deity, and features major events such as Umuokpu Day, Opueke Day, and the grand Egwu Imoka Day with masquerade displays, dances, and cultural performances that draw indigenes from far and wide.
Recent reports states that the dates for the 2026 edition have been announced following the communication from the Imo Awka Chief Priest, with key activities slated around mid-to-late May 2026 (including May 18 for Umuokpu Day, May 22 for Opueke Day, and May 23 for the grand Egwu Imoka climax in some announcements).
The meeting at Obu Imoka on April 27, 2026, served as a unified front by Awka’s custodians of tradition, signaling that any attempt to politicize or disrupt the sacred festival will be firmly resisted in defense of their age-long sacred tradition, kingship, and cultural sovereignty.
Awka indigenes and traditional stakeholders have called for peace, urging all parties to respect the sanctity of the festival and the autonomy of Awka’s ancient customs.
More photos below.
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