Mbaise Iriji New Yam Festival

The Anambra State Government has banned the parallel celebration of the New Yam festival in communities in the state.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs issued the warning in a statement signed by the Commissioner, Chief Vin Ezeaka and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Awka.

He said that government had noted the unlawful activities of some individuals and groups in some communities of the state which bordered on parallel celebration of the new yam festival.

He said that the practice was in total contravention of the customs and tradition of the people.

The commissioner said the government had previously issued a directive to all communities on the matter through a letter to all Presidents-General and traditional rulers.

“It has also been observed that some individuals and groups now hold new yam festivals in their various communities before or on the same date with the traditional rulers.

“This amounts to unlawful usurping of the traditional rights of royal fathers and creation of room for possible breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.

“The government reiterates its position on this matter and hereby directs, effective immediately, that no individual or group shall henceforth hold New Yam Festival, Iwa Ji, Iri Ji or by any name it is called before the traditional rulers or on the same date with them,” he said.

NAN

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