Ebem Ohafia Set To Host Izara Afa, Igba Ota Omu 2025 Celebrations With Strict Guidelines [Documents Attached]

The Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP), has released the official programme of activities for the Izara Afa and Igba Ota Omu 2025 festival, scheduled to hold in December 2025 and January 2026, ABN TV reports.

The announcement, made from the Ebem Ujuruezie Palace, Ekeluogo Ebem, outlines a series of cultural, religious, and communal events that will span from December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026, bringing together indigenes and residents of Ebem Ohafia for what is described as a “Leap Year” celebration of unity, thanksgiving, and communal development.

Programme Highlights

• Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Orie): Harvesting of all completed projects by age grades.
• Friday, December 26, 2025 (Nkwo):
• Ebem Cultural Day at Abum Square, Ekeluogo Ebem.
• Igba Ekpe Izara Afa by Okpankuma Three Age Grade.
• Saturday, December 27, 2025 (Eke): Carnival-like procession by Okpankuma Three Age Grade and their naming ceremony at Isi Ogwe, Ebem Ohafia.
• Sunday, December 28, 2025 (Orie): General thanksgiving by Okezie Age Grade and Okpankuma Three Age Grade in their respective worship centers.
• December 29–30, 2025: Open for marriages, send-off celebrations, and other ceremonies. No funerals allowed.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (Eke): Carnival procession by Okezie Age Grade with celebration of their Igba Ota Omu (retirement from active communal service).
• January 1–2, 2026: Private receptions by Okezie Age Grade members.
• Saturday, January 3, 2026 (Nkwo): Ifo Afia Nkwo Ebem Ukwu cultural display by Okezie Age Grade.
• Sunday, January 4, 2026 (Eke): General thanksgiving in all worship centers by all Ebemites.

Important Directives

1. The communiqué from the palace emphasized several key rules to maintain peace and order during the celebrations:
2. All private and individual ceremonies must hold only between December 29–30, 2025.
3. There will be no burials during the last two weeks of December 2025.
4. Burials for 2026 will commence on Friday, January 9 (for females) and Saturday, January 10 (for males).
5. The community is urged to strictly comply with these schedules to prevent disorder.
6. All Ebemites are warned to desist from acts capable of disrupting peace during the festivities.

The Ezie Ogo Ebem called for total cooperation from community leaders, security agencies, age grades, religious institutions, and residents to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. Security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and FRSC, as well as all churches and mosques, were copied in the directive to help maintain order.

According to HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, the festival is an opportunity to celebrate developmental projects completed by age grades and to showcase the cultural pride and unity of Ebem Ohafia.