Nri Ancient Kingdom, the oldest kingdom in Nigeria, the spiritual head of Igbo traditional religion dated as early as 900 AD, is holding her annual feast of thanksgiving known as “Ilo Mmụọ” or “Onwasato.” The saying “Nri Loo-mmuo, Igbo elie ji”, remain relevant.
Through nature and regulations guiding original spirituality, Nri as the first son of legendary Eri inherited Omenani and Odinani which formed the bedrock of civilization in Igbo land.
On this note, Prince Ikenna Okechukwu Onyesoh (Idebuteaku Na Nri), the Regent of Ancient Nri kingdom, on behalf of His Majesty, Eze Obidegwu Onyesoh, MFR, JP, Nrienwelana the second, the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, the keeper of Ofo Ndigbo, the supreme spiritual head of Igbo traditional religion, Oru Nze na Ino Nri, Nze na Ozo society and Nri, welcome you to ILO MMUO NDIGBO 2023AD. The celebration is called Ịwa ji, Ili ji, Ike ji, Ihejioku, Ikpoji, Ifieji, Ika ji etc in some other Igbo communities. In Igbo lunar calendar, Ilo-Mmuo falls within the 8th Lunar month, which is September in the Roman Calendar.
During the 1024th Iguaro Ndigbo celebrated in the palace of Eze Nri on 18th February, 2023, Eze Nri through the Regent, Prince Ikenna distributed seed yams to Ndigbo and declared the farming season open, unbanning the ihejioku – the god of yam. This has been the ritual as enshrined in Odinani Nri. These seed yams so distributed mature in the eight lunar month and the first harvest of the yam is brought to Eze Nri palace for special thanksgiving to Chukwuokike for bountiful harvest.
Anthropologists, ethnographers and renowned historians uphold the legend that Eze Nri introduced yam, cocoyam and other native food crops to Igbo agro system. It was believed that Eze Nri in his capacity as the high priest of God had sacrificed his son as an atonement for God to reveal to him edible crops and herbal plants in Igbo land. After Izu ato that is three native weeks or twelve days, Eze Nri went back to the grave of his son and there he beheld a yam sprout from the grave. God revealed to Eze Nri, how to
guide the crop to maturity, harvested and feed Ndigbo with it. This is why the yam is considered the king of crops in Igbo land. This act was ritualized in Ifejioku (God of yam) or referred to as “Nri myth of origin”.
Purification and sanctification toward Ilo-mmuo run within one native month (Izu asaa) with lineup of activities. It began with Ifiegbo ceremony celebrated in the first week of September 2023. During the Ifiegbo, prayers are offered to Almighty God to protect Ndigbo as they prepare to offer their first fruit harvest (Ilo mmuo) to him. It comes in two phases- internal and external Egbos wrapped up with the slaughtering of a cock, which signifies binding of evil forces against Ilo-mmuo festival. Next is slaughtering of a He-goat for Nrimeri- communion with all the past Eze Nri, to invite them to the Ilo-mmuo festival. Ozo titled men share the meat.
On Afọ day, 15th September 2023, visit was paid to Onuebo (purification shrine). There, a feast of atonement is observed followed by an intercession to Chukwuokike by Eze Nri to take over the Ilo-mmuo festival, cleanse, purify and protect his children during and after the celebration. After this, comes showers of blessings (Mmili Onwasato), indicating successful intercession.
On Thursday, Eke, 21st September, 2023, the Ibu Nni Umuada or Ibuchi ceremony was observed. On this day, all married Nri daughters accompanied by their husbands and children pay homage to their paternal homes with gifts. The head of the family unit receives them in the family temple – Obu with their gifts. He offers prayers to God on their behalf. He will also bless and their grandchildren. Heavy refreshments of thick Egusi soup carefully prepared with stock fish, smoked fish and dry meat with pounded yam and palm wine is served.
Tomorrow, Saturday, Afọ, 23rd September, 2023 is the main day of Ilo-mmuo, Onwasato or new yam festival.
It is important to reemphasize that Ilo mmuo is not idol worshipping. It is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest. As custodians of Igbo culture and tradition, Nri will continue to uphold her role as the supreme religious head of Igbo nation.
Written by ROBINSON IBEKWE
Comments are closed for this post.