Aba Festival

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This documentary project delves into the heart of Igarra, a community steeped in tradition and unity, as it unfolds the age-old practice of the Aba Festival. Tracing its roots back to 1678, long before the dawn of modern Nigeria, this age-old celebration marks the pinnacle of Irepa Festival, renowned as the sixth most indigenous festival in West Africa. Here I am telling the vibrant story of the 2023 IREPA Festival, with a focus on the rare Aba event.

These images focus on the ceremonial journey of the Opoze Age Group, adorned in immaculate white attire, as they ascend to join the esteemed Council of Elders, the AZEBANI. The rhythmic beats of the Aba drums resonate with the relinquishing of legislative powers and duties by the graduating Opoze, symbolizing the seamless transition of leadership.

The project encapsulates the communal spirit, as families unite in the preparation of traditional delicacies, sharing joy, and partaking in the ceremonial procession to ‘Ofumamo,’ the cultural headquarters.

On the morning of D-day, all celebrants prepare pounded yam for members of his kindred. Assorted drinks go with the eating, which could be extended till everybody is exhausted. While Ugbogbo people will concentrate on their quarters, Utua & Uffa will dance to each other’s quarters, respectively.

This is followed by family gatherings to eat the mounds of pounded yam prepared for each family by the celebrants. By noon, the celebrants dress up in complete immaculate white Agbada, white shoes, and a cap to match and assemble at designated places to dance to Ofumamo at Opoporiku along Somorika road, Ugbogbo.

In the moments captured, viewers witness the unique bond forged within the community, where every action reflects a shared commitment to tradition and a deep-seated sense of communal love. The Aba Festival, as portrayed through these photographs, becomes a visual testament to the enduring unity that defines Igarra, fostering a profound connection among its people across generations.

On the day of the event, as a mark of honour, no other person is allowed to wear any white attire except the celebrants (the graduating Opoze) who would all climb a sacred Opoporiku Hill in the community’s Cultural Headquarters; OPOPORIKU.

This special day is preceded in the evening of the previous day by the shooting of ceremonial Dane guns, first in the compound of the ODOVIDI-leader of the Age Group who must be the oldest celebrant from Eziakuta Opoporiku family and followed by all the other celebrants.