A renowned town in Abia State, Nigeria and Igboland in general, suddenly bursting into life with the sound of drums, the swirl of masquerades, and the scent of roasted yams wafting through the air. This is Arochukwu, the ancient heart of the Aro people, and every September, it hosts the Ikeji Festival, a dazzling celebration of the new yam harvest and Igbo heritage. Picture a scene where thousands gather at Amaikpe Square, voices rising in song, as colourful dancers and towering masquerades parade through the streets. Held over several days, with its grand finale called Eke Ekpe, this festival is a joyful blast of tradition that pulls sons and daughters of Arochukwu home from across the globe.
A Tradition Older Than Time
The Ikeji Festival is one of the oldest celebrations in Igboland, stretching back more than a thousand years—some say to 912 AD. “Ikeji” means “strength of the yam” or “tieing of the yam” in Igbo, a nod to the crop that’s been the lifeblood of the Aro people forever. Back in the day, it was a simple harvest ritual, a way to thank Chukwu Abiama, the Igbo Supreme God in and the ancestors for a bountiful year. Arochukwu, perched on hilly land near the Cross River, was a powerhouse in pre-colonial times, famous for its Long Juju (Ibini Ukpabi) oracle and trade networks. The festival grew with the town’s influence, spreading to over 350 Aro settlements worldwide.
Today, it’s a cultural juggernaut. The Eze Aro, the traditional king, currently His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu Oji. sets the date each year, guided by the lunar calendar. What started as a humble feast has become a three-week explosion of music, dance, and unity, peaking with the Eke Ekpe finale in late September or early October. It’s a time when the Aro renew their covenant with their roots and celebrate their unbreakable spirit.
Preparing for the Party
Weeks before September, Arochukwu buzzes with energy. Farmers haul in the first yams, plump and golden, from the fields. Women sweep village squares and fire up hearths for cooking, think pounded yam, spicy soups, and palm wine galore. Men slip into sacred groves to craft masquerades, wild figures draped in raffia, feathers, and bright cloth, their masks carved with fierce faces. These aren’t just costumes; they’re spirits of the past, brought to life with prayers and offerings.
The 19 villages of Arochukwu, like Obinkita, Ibom, and Atani, each add their own flavour. Elders plan wrestling matches, dances, and plays, while kids run around, wide-eyed with excitement. The Eze Aro’s palace hums as he prepares to bless the new yam, a sacred act that kicks off the eating season. By the time the festival starts, the town’s ready-decked out in colour, pulsing with anticipation.
Days of Joy and Spectacle
The Ikeji Festival rolls out in stages, building up to a grand finish. It starts with quieter days, Nkwo Ibom-Isii, where Ibom village hosts wrestling and maiden dances, or Afor Okpo, when the festivities spread out. But the real magic happens at Eke Ekpe, the climax. On this day—say, September 21, like in 2023, Amaikpe Square fills with thousands. The Eze Aro steps out, regal leopard wears (Ịsi Agu) in white robes, beaded crown and the Aro emblem, greeted by chiefs and a sea of cheering faces.
Masquerades steal the show, some ten feet tall, leaping and twirling to the beat of ogene gongs and ekwe drums. Each village sends its best dancers and performers, competing for cheers and bragging rights. Obinkita won hearts in 2017 with their stunning display, a memory still fresh for many. People dress up, men in flowing jumpers, women in wrappers and beads, while kids dart through the crowd, tossing coins to the dancers. Food stalls pop up, offering roasted yam and fish, and the air rings with laughter and song.
More Than a Festival
Ikeji is a cultural lifeline. It’s a chance to see Arochukwu’s traditions, masquerades, music, and prayers come alive. The Aro believe the spirits join them, guiding and blessing the community. It’s also a homecoming, sons and daughters from Lagos, London, or New York flood back, suitcases in tow, to reconnect with family and roots. Leaders like Governor Alex Otti have joined in, praising the festival’s role in uniting people.
It’s practical too. The event boosts tourism, hotels fill up, vendors thrive, and outsiders get a taste of Igbo life. In 2018, MTN and Nigerian Breweries jumped on board as sponsors, turning Ikeji into a branded spectacle streamed online for the world to see. The theme “Culture for Development” sums it up, it’s about pride, progress, and keeping the old ways strong.
Arochukwu: The Ancient Kingdom
Arochukwu sits in Abia State’s northeast, a hilly spot near the Cross River, about 70 miles from Umuahia. It’s the ancestral home of the Aro, a people once feared and respected for their oracle and trade savvy. The town’s 19 villages form a tight-knit kingdom, with a history tied to the slave trade and resistance against British rule until 1902. Today, it’s quieter, farming and small businesses keep it going, but Ikeji puts it back in the spotlight.
Tourists love the vibe. The Long Juju shrine, the river views, and the festival’s energy make it a draw. For the Aro, it’s a chance to show off their past and dream of a future where Arochukwu thrives again.
A Promise Kept
When the last masquerade retreats and the drums fall silent, the Ikeji Festival leaves Arochukwu humming. It’s a thanksgiving, a reunion, and a shout of pride all rolled into one. In a world racing forward, this festival holds the line, a living link to the ancestors and a gift to the next generation. Next September, the yams will ripen again, the gongs will ring, and Arochukwu will dance. If you’re ever in Abia State, follow the beat, you’ll find a celebration that’s pure Igbo magic.
References
Daily Trust. (2019, November 3). At Ikeji festival, Arochukwu celebrates her roots, culture.
Iheanyiigboko. (n.d.). All you need to know about the Ikeji Arochukwu cultural festival.
Vanguard News. (2018, September 19). Pomp as Arochukwu in Diaspora celebrates 1106th Ikeji annual cultural festival.
Wikipedia. (2021, January 12). Ikeji festival.
