Inyi is a center for fun and entertainment with its regular events like marriage, Birth, New Year, Christmas and Easter holidays and Other events with high social significance carried out by Inyi town are festivals. Such as Ofala festival, New yam (Otute) festival, Emmu Ozo, Ajala Inyi festival. The people of Inyi tend to stay home, and the diaspora return very regularly to take part on various festivals and events. Leading to a saying “Inyi kwa-aho kwa-aho” and “Inyi Nwa ocho ucho”
Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Inyi Culture and highlights
Inyi people are governed by definite rules of conduct from cradle to grave. The discipline infused by these rules of conduct, are a mirror of its rich culture and Heritage. Producing a uniformity, which others see and admired in Inyi people.
Its customary laws and customs were definite, detailed, and covered by aspect of Inyi life; so that, by their existence, they attested to the antiquity of Inyi town. As it must have taken centuries of usage, and trial and error, before they could have become so generally accepted, and enforced, as law, among the people of Inyi.
There is a strong tie in religious observations, trade, marriages, Birth and Death. In each community there are associations of age grades; Social groups, Town Unions, Native councils and Traditional Rulers (Ndi Igwe, Nze na Ozo), poor and rich citizens interact with one another in war or in peace. The social organization developed in the form of an extended family to a kind of village government. All participate in community affairs, in decision-making and all development efforts, Based on the background shared, the Art, Food, Dialect and Cultural ways of life are also shared and frequently the same.
Its customary laws and customs were definite, detailed, and covered by aspect of Inyi life; so that, by their existence, they attested to the antiquity of Inyi town. As it must have taken centuries of usage, and trial and error, before they could have become so generally accepted, and enforced, as law, among the people of Inyi.
There is a strong tie in religious observations, trade, marriages, Birth and Death. In each community there are associations of age grades; Social groups, Town Unions, Native councils and Traditional Rulers (Ndi Igwe, Nze na Ozo), poor and rich citizens interact with one another in war or in peace. The social organization developed in the form of an extended family to a kind of village government. All participate in community affairs, in decision-making and all development efforts, Based on the background shared, the Art, Food, Dialect and Cultural ways of life are also shared and frequently the same.
Inyi Festivals
Inyi Nwa-Ocho Ucho.........................
Ofala Festival is a periodic cultural celebration that commemorates an Igwe or Chief’s coronation in Inyi, who also use the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment and willingness to continue to lead his people. The word "Ofala," is a non-indigenous Igbo word, probably Igala derivatives, but more precisely the origin is unknown. The festival would best be defined as a Royal outing involving communal celebrations, in a carefully planned program wrapped in grandeur and outpouring of respect, revelry and as established by custom and sponsored by the Igwe or Eze.
In any year (usually between every 3-5 years) Igwe sets out to celebrate his Ofala festival, he first of all seeks God's directives, accorded to him. The next step will be consultation with his Royal family, followed by that of his Royal Cabinet. He consequently sets up a committee to handle certain areas of the occasion. The official period for this Royal event has never been before or after December of the year of the event. As part of the preparation, Igwe usually nominates few of Inyi and surrounding towns worthy indigenes who would be conferred with honorary Chieftaincy titles together with appointment of Ichies to fill in any vacant positions.
As the day of the Ofala festival approaches, the members of Inyi town would look upon it with high expectations of carnival. The sons and daughters of Inyi, as well as their well-wishers all over the country see the event as yet another opportunity to revisit their roots in a bid to recapture those cherished elements of their rich cultural heritage.
The traditionally day event is usually kicked started with twenty-one (21) canon gun salute, which is started with concelebrated services of songs and prayers in the palace. By 12.00 noon, gaily dressed individuals and groups from Inyi and beyond begin to take their places in preparation for the commencement of the event amidst a medley or the drumming and musical rendition from cultural troupes and all types of masquerades, Big and small. The sight of the crowd, events and compliments from the audience, the glory of it, the knowledge of its true meaning, the curiosity from the day's beneficiaries of Chieftaincy titles, all these usually evoke enthusiasm devoted of course principally to Igwe.
And once the arriving red-cap Chiefs had taken their assigned seats, then the stage is set for the appearance of Igwe himself. This he does in grand style in consonance with tradition. Soon enough the arena is rocked by explosions from cannon shots announcing that the Igwe has come out from his chamber, preparatory to being ushered around by the Chiefs to take his first dance around and salute his people.
The Cabinet and Council-In-Chiefs escort forming the Igwe's escort together with members of the Igwe's Age Grade in Oji River become the signal for the dancing of the "Igba Eze" dance with the vast concourse of people. The "Igba Eze", splendidly mounted in their beautiful native uniforms with the plaudits of spectators would indeed grace any pageant. The Igwe himself accepts with no ordinary pleasure, but with demonstrative delight, the tributes of eager loyalty which are usually showed from every side.
As the Igwe makes his way around the arena with the "Igba Eze" troupe he cuts a spectacular picture in his elaborated ceremonial regalia with its intrinsic designs complemented by royal beads, brass and ivory anklets and brass staff of authority. Likely to be more eye-catching is the head gear which is elaborately decorated with a profusion of very expensive feathers of rare birds and little mirrors. Thus attired, he dances and sways with the elegant and royal praise in tune with the rhythmic throbs of drums and other local musical instruments from "Igba Eze" and the vast concourse of people, fellow celebrants enthusiastically loudly hailing him and screaming Igwe! Igwe!! Igwe!!!.
After the Igwe had retired to his reception podium, he does so for conferment of Chieftaincy titles to short-listed beneficiaries.
In Inyi, the currency that will only purchase chieftaincy title is good conduct, patriotism, total dedication to service of our fatherland, blended with clean state of source of livelihood. It is a nonhereditary title conferred by Igwe for personal achievement and public service. Hence some title holders in the Inyi chose title names that befit their outstanding services to the community. Such are "Omeluora" meaning, philanthropist, "Okaa obulu Uzo" meaning fearless leader, etc.
The new Title chief(s) would dance at the center of the gathering, with huge continuous applause, numerous music groups playing and dancing. All range of size and heights of colorful masquerades on display, till long after the conferment of Chieftaincy.
In any year (usually between every 3-5 years) Igwe sets out to celebrate his Ofala festival, he first of all seeks God's directives, accorded to him. The next step will be consultation with his Royal family, followed by that of his Royal Cabinet. He consequently sets up a committee to handle certain areas of the occasion. The official period for this Royal event has never been before or after December of the year of the event. As part of the preparation, Igwe usually nominates few of Inyi and surrounding towns worthy indigenes who would be conferred with honorary Chieftaincy titles together with appointment of Ichies to fill in any vacant positions.
As the day of the Ofala festival approaches, the members of Inyi town would look upon it with high expectations of carnival. The sons and daughters of Inyi, as well as their well-wishers all over the country see the event as yet another opportunity to revisit their roots in a bid to recapture those cherished elements of their rich cultural heritage.
The traditionally day event is usually kicked started with twenty-one (21) canon gun salute, which is started with concelebrated services of songs and prayers in the palace. By 12.00 noon, gaily dressed individuals and groups from Inyi and beyond begin to take their places in preparation for the commencement of the event amidst a medley or the drumming and musical rendition from cultural troupes and all types of masquerades, Big and small. The sight of the crowd, events and compliments from the audience, the glory of it, the knowledge of its true meaning, the curiosity from the day's beneficiaries of Chieftaincy titles, all these usually evoke enthusiasm devoted of course principally to Igwe.
And once the arriving red-cap Chiefs had taken their assigned seats, then the stage is set for the appearance of Igwe himself. This he does in grand style in consonance with tradition. Soon enough the arena is rocked by explosions from cannon shots announcing that the Igwe has come out from his chamber, preparatory to being ushered around by the Chiefs to take his first dance around and salute his people.
The Cabinet and Council-In-Chiefs escort forming the Igwe's escort together with members of the Igwe's Age Grade in Oji River become the signal for the dancing of the "Igba Eze" dance with the vast concourse of people. The "Igba Eze", splendidly mounted in their beautiful native uniforms with the plaudits of spectators would indeed grace any pageant. The Igwe himself accepts with no ordinary pleasure, but with demonstrative delight, the tributes of eager loyalty which are usually showed from every side.
As the Igwe makes his way around the arena with the "Igba Eze" troupe he cuts a spectacular picture in his elaborated ceremonial regalia with its intrinsic designs complemented by royal beads, brass and ivory anklets and brass staff of authority. Likely to be more eye-catching is the head gear which is elaborately decorated with a profusion of very expensive feathers of rare birds and little mirrors. Thus attired, he dances and sways with the elegant and royal praise in tune with the rhythmic throbs of drums and other local musical instruments from "Igba Eze" and the vast concourse of people, fellow celebrants enthusiastically loudly hailing him and screaming Igwe! Igwe!! Igwe!!!.
After the Igwe had retired to his reception podium, he does so for conferment of Chieftaincy titles to short-listed beneficiaries.
In Inyi, the currency that will only purchase chieftaincy title is good conduct, patriotism, total dedication to service of our fatherland, blended with clean state of source of livelihood. It is a nonhereditary title conferred by Igwe for personal achievement and public service. Hence some title holders in the Inyi chose title names that befit their outstanding services to the community. Such are "Omeluora" meaning, philanthropist, "Okaa obulu Uzo" meaning fearless leader, etc.
The new Title chief(s) would dance at the center of the gathering, with huge continuous applause, numerous music groups playing and dancing. All range of size and heights of colorful masquerades on display, till long after the conferment of Chieftaincy.
Ofala Festival
The New Yam (OTUTE) festival, which marks the beginning of the harvest seasons for new yam. The festival takes place usually between August and October, though the time varies from year to year.
AHIAJAOKU shrine of Inyi, through which a man solicits the yam spirit for a good yam harvest situated in Enugu Inyi and the owner or his eldest son, are the priest of the shrine. Who also determines and announces to all Inyi town the official date for the annual Otute (New yam) festival.
The New Yam festival ushers in the occasion for celebration, while offering special prayers to God for a good harvest. It is marked with colourful display of cultural dances and rites, including roasting and toasting of new yams and eating it with palm oil, Ukpaka, Achicha, Green vegetable, or just boiled as soup (Ji Mmiri oku), Obviously, time for feasting and merry-making, worth attending.
AHIAJAOKU shrine of Inyi, through which a man solicits the yam spirit for a good yam harvest situated in Enugu Inyi and the owner or his eldest son, are the priest of the shrine. Who also determines and announces to all Inyi town the official date for the annual Otute (New yam) festival.
The New Yam festival ushers in the occasion for celebration, while offering special prayers to God for a good harvest. It is marked with colourful display of cultural dances and rites, including roasting and toasting of new yams and eating it with palm oil, Ukpaka, Achicha, Green vegetable, or just boiled as soup (Ji Mmiri oku), Obviously, time for feasting and merry-making, worth attending.
New Yam Festival
Ajala inyi is celebrated just like so many other communities in Igboland, Inyi reverences the earth, AJALA. The purpose is for the god to adopt, strengthen, empower and protect the land of Inyi.
Ajala Inyi festival takes place on the first full moon in October of each year.
The event is preceded by rituals by the Chief priest (EZE AJALA), who is normally a descendant of a specific family in Umuoma Village.
The festivity is enjoyed by all, with lots of refreshments and drinks. Several music groups playing and dancing. All range of colorful masquerades on display all through the event of the day.
Ajala Inyi festival takes place on the first full moon in October of each year.
The event is preceded by rituals by the Chief priest (EZE AJALA), who is normally a descendant of a specific family in Umuoma Village.
The festivity is enjoyed by all, with lots of refreshments and drinks. Several music groups playing and dancing. All range of colorful masquerades on display all through the event of the day.
Ajala Inyi Festival
Nkwo Abia is always on the Nkwo day nearest to the 24th day of the third lunar month after Ajala Inyi festival.
It is the Emume Inyi Traditional Title program. Where an aspirant to the Emume Title gives notice of his intention at least one year before taking the title. The notice is called OBUBU ABIA. This consisted of the aspirant killing a chicken and gluing the small soft feathers of the chicken broadly on his left arm on Nkwo Abia day. As he danced Abia and made merriment like others on Nkwo Abia, he and his town would be recognized. The people will await the Emume Title installation for the following Nkwo Abia day in a year’s time.
Like most prestigious title societies all over the world, a man had to be really rich and noble to aspire to the Emume title installation. Only men could take this traditional title. A man may fund the Title project with either himself as the aspirant or his son that could be a minor as there was no age limit to qualify as the aspirant.
For those that have performed the Obubu Abia the previous year, they will be crowned with the title on Abia day. Once installed as new Emume Inyi Title holder, He would get up from the okpuru installation stool and leap about the market for the joy of having become a Title holder. It was a special graceful leaping gesture called IBU AMASA, which he would have practised at home. The ibu amasa would end up at the large dancing arena where the drummers and music makers had deployed awaiting his arrival.
The new Title holder would dance solo with huge continuous applause. He would seat on his okpuru installation stool when tired before others could dance to the music. The ikpa music was reserved for Emume rites and ceremonies. The new Title holder may dance and perform amasa as many times as he had the strength but he must be careful not to fall. His buttocks must not touch the ground at Nkwo market on his installation day
Most Inyi diaspora would return home to celebrate Ajala and Abia feasts without returning for Christmas. Most people in the crowded Nkwo Abia market would dance Abia music a great deal. Drink excessive amount of wine and have Abacha, coconuts, okpa ntucha and other fast foods to carryon.
It is the Emume Inyi Traditional Title program. Where an aspirant to the Emume Title gives notice of his intention at least one year before taking the title. The notice is called OBUBU ABIA. This consisted of the aspirant killing a chicken and gluing the small soft feathers of the chicken broadly on his left arm on Nkwo Abia day. As he danced Abia and made merriment like others on Nkwo Abia, he and his town would be recognized. The people will await the Emume Title installation for the following Nkwo Abia day in a year’s time.
Like most prestigious title societies all over the world, a man had to be really rich and noble to aspire to the Emume title installation. Only men could take this traditional title. A man may fund the Title project with either himself as the aspirant or his son that could be a minor as there was no age limit to qualify as the aspirant.
For those that have performed the Obubu Abia the previous year, they will be crowned with the title on Abia day. Once installed as new Emume Inyi Title holder, He would get up from the okpuru installation stool and leap about the market for the joy of having become a Title holder. It was a special graceful leaping gesture called IBU AMASA, which he would have practised at home. The ibu amasa would end up at the large dancing arena where the drummers and music makers had deployed awaiting his arrival.
The new Title holder would dance solo with huge continuous applause. He would seat on his okpuru installation stool when tired before others could dance to the music. The ikpa music was reserved for Emume rites and ceremonies. The new Title holder may dance and perform amasa as many times as he had the strength but he must be careful not to fall. His buttocks must not touch the ground at Nkwo market on his installation day
Most Inyi diaspora would return home to celebrate Ajala and Abia feasts without returning for Christmas. Most people in the crowded Nkwo Abia market would dance Abia music a great deal. Drink excessive amount of wine and have Abacha, coconuts, okpa ntucha and other fast foods to carryon.
Abia Festival
“The Igbos believe that ‘A man is said to be a man only when he has efficiently and effectively handled trying situations’ They also believe that a man should fight his aggressors be they human or spiritual, to the best of his ability. It is always a privilege
for young men to have the courage to engage in a wrestling match. For one has the opportunity to distinguish themselves and to attain a statues in the community as a star, warrior or a distinguish wrestler.
Throughout Inyi town wrestling is an important sport. Wrestling has been known to be used not just as a sport but for other purposes. At times, disputes are settled with this all-important sport. An extremely popular girl, who has had several approaches from suitors, may find it difficult to choose the one she will marry. What happens in this case, is that; a wrestling competition is arranged for all the suitors and whoever emerges victorious marries the girl.
Inter-village wrestling competitions are not uncommon.
Each village has its own wrestling ground, which is very
soft and well looked after. The wrestlers are grouped
according to their records of achievements.
All the villagers are informed of any competitions, which
usually are in the in the evenings.
A circle is made and spectators sit around this circle.
The chief, titled men, the boy providing the music and
the wrestlers all sit inside the ring.
The wrestlers squat and chat together. The competition is started by the two principal wrestlers from the two villages. Various techniques are employed and a wrestler can easily win the applause of the spectators with his adroit styles. Any competitor that is carried up and if his legs are no longer touching the ground and then after put on the ground with his back, is declared defeated.
If it appears that no competitor is defeating the other, the wrestlers are said to be evenly matched. It's declared a draw and another set of wrestlers comes in. Meanwhile, Boys who have been specially trained provide a brand of music. The music provided by the boys' plays an important role on the occasion. It has been once described as heart stirring, capable of giving added strength to the weak. The total successes and failures of each team go to determine the result of the competition. The team that has the greatest number of' successes becomes the winner and the chief presents the prize, which can take any form.”
for young men to have the courage to engage in a wrestling match. For one has the opportunity to distinguish themselves and to attain a statues in the community as a star, warrior or a distinguish wrestler.
Throughout Inyi town wrestling is an important sport. Wrestling has been known to be used not just as a sport but for other purposes. At times, disputes are settled with this all-important sport. An extremely popular girl, who has had several approaches from suitors, may find it difficult to choose the one she will marry. What happens in this case, is that; a wrestling competition is arranged for all the suitors and whoever emerges victorious marries the girl.
Inter-village wrestling competitions are not uncommon.
Each village has its own wrestling ground, which is very
soft and well looked after. The wrestlers are grouped
according to their records of achievements.
All the villagers are informed of any competitions, which
usually are in the in the evenings.
A circle is made and spectators sit around this circle.
The chief, titled men, the boy providing the music and
the wrestlers all sit inside the ring.
The wrestlers squat and chat together. The competition is started by the two principal wrestlers from the two villages. Various techniques are employed and a wrestler can easily win the applause of the spectators with his adroit styles. Any competitor that is carried up and if his legs are no longer touching the ground and then after put on the ground with his back, is declared defeated.
If it appears that no competitor is defeating the other, the wrestlers are said to be evenly matched. It's declared a draw and another set of wrestlers comes in. Meanwhile, Boys who have been specially trained provide a brand of music. The music provided by the boys' plays an important role on the occasion. It has been once described as heart stirring, capable of giving added strength to the weak. The total successes and failures of each team go to determine the result of the competition. The team that has the greatest number of' successes becomes the winner and the chief presents the prize, which can take any form.”
Wrestling Festival
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