2026 Iwa Ji: Asagba, Oborevwori Call For Peaceful, United Asaba
By PAULINA NZERUBE
THE 2026 Iwa Ji Festival in Asaba has brought together traditional rulers, chiefs, government representatives and residents in a celebration of culture, harvest and community.
At the event, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, urged residents to protect the kingdom’s cultural heritage while maintaining peace and unity.
Azinge spoke on Thursday at his palace during the annual festival.
He described Iwa Ji as a time to give thanks for the year’s harvest and the blessings of life.
He said the people also use the occasion to appreciate God for peace, good health and other benefits enjoyed during the year.
Beyond the celebration, Azinge said Iwa Ji marks the start of a new traditional calendar for Asaba.
Traditional Institution & Government
The Asagba said the traditional institution would continue to work closely with the Delta State Government.
He stressed that the role of traditional rulers was to complement government programmes rather than compete with them.
“What we do here is not in competition with government. We are only trying to complement the efforts of government,” Azinge said.
He commended the state government for its interventions in Asaba, especially in infrastructure.
The traditional ruler also appealed to non-indigenes to contribute to peaceful coexistence.
He described them as important stakeholders in the growth and development of the community.
Azinge said Asaba had remained hospitable to people from different backgrounds.
Consequently, he urged all residents to protect the peace that has supported the community’s growth.
Oborevwori Backs Cultural Heritage
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of traditional institutions.
Represented by Chief of Staff Prince Johnson Erijo, the governor said Iwa Ji goes beyond the cutting and eating of new yam.
He described it as an opportunity to give thanks for life, the harvest and the resilience of the community.
According to him, traditional institutions play an important role in maintaining peace, strengthening communities and supporting development.
The governor said his administration would continue to support initiatives under the MORE Agenda that promote stronger communities and preserve cultural heritage.
He also said the government would support efforts that create opportunities for young people.
Oborevwori urged the people of Asaba to promote brotherhood, mutual respect, peace and communal responsibility.
Festival Draws Large Turnout
Chief Ubaka Attoh, Chairman of the 2026 Iwa Ji Festival Committee and Onihe of Asaba, said the turnout showed the importance of the festival to the people.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional institution, government representatives, Asaba indigenes and other guests who attended.
The celebration included the presentation of Royal Medals of Honour to notable sons and daughters of Asaba.
The traditional cutting of the new yam also formed a central part of the ceremony.
Iwa Ji translates as “the cutting of the yam”.
It remains the central ritual of Asaba’s New Yam Festival and traditionally signals the beginning of the new yam harvest.
The festival has survived changes brought by modern life while retaining its role in thanksgiving, communal sharing and cultural preservation.
In the traditional practice, the Eze Ugbo, who serves as custodian of the farming tradition, presented the first new yam for tasting.
Only after that ritual did the wider community begin consuming the new harvest.
Today, Christian participants may combine the cultural ceremony with thanksgiving prayers to God.
Even with that evolution, the festival continues to serve as a link between Asaba’s cultural traditions and contemporary community life.
