By Robinson Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Ogbo Tein Tuwa Erein Uge festival is a yearly celebration in the Ikibiri community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This event, which takes place on the 5th and 6th of August each year, commemorates a significant event in the community’s history.
HRH Barrister Maurice Lagos Collinous, Ogbo III, Amananaowei of lkibiri
In August 1970, Biafran soldiers carried out a surprise nocturnal attack on the sleeping Ikibiri community, firing bullets from their gunboats for several hours. Thankfully, no lives were lost. The invasion was based on misinformation that Nigerian soldiers were camped in Ikibiri, preparing to attack the neighbouring Anyama community.
The impact of this invasion was significant for the people of Ikibiri and led to the establishment of the Tein Tuwa Erein Uge festival. The festival’s name translates to “the day Ogbo (Ikibiri) was invaded,” and it serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
This writer spoke with an indigene of the community Mr. Felix Ebigoni Bokoru who recalled that he was about 7 years old at the time.
HRH Barrister Maurice Lagos Collinous being congratulated by Ere Robinson Erebi in his palace
“During the war, the Biafran soldiers did not pose much of a problem for us. They showed us love and care, and even lived with us for around 2 years. However, when the war was coming to an end in early 1970 and Nigerian soldiers arrived, we suffered greatly at their hands. It was a terrible experience. Their argument was that we had compromised by allowing the Biafran soldiers to stay with us. They were rough and showed a great deal of wickedness”, he said.
“Amungo-Aru display
The festival features a range of activities that showcase the Ikibiri culture and heritage. These include the canons shots that mark the beginning of the two-day festivities, a general cross-country exercise, tug of war games, traditional “Amungo Aru” displays by Ikibiri youths, and beach parties at the community jetty on the first day of the events.
The festival is well attended by people from all parts of Bayelsa and across the country. On the second day, visitors can witness canoe races by the three quarters of the community, wrestling contests, and an all-night traditional “Owigiri” dance.
The Ikibiri community has a rich history that is inextricably linked to the Ogbo kingdom and the Ekpetiama Clan.
HRH Alfred Awudu kpun, Ogbo II (1939 – 2014)
The reign of Chief Adukwu (Ogbo I) of blessed memory, as the Amananaowei of Ikibiri, marked a significant period in the community’s history. He was later replaced by His Royal Highness Alfred Awudu Kpun Ogbo II, who reigned for 41 years until 2014 when he joined his ancestors.
The current Amananaowei is His Royal Highness Barrister Maurice Lagos Collinous, who was officially coronated as Ogbo III in March 2021 says he’s grateful to God for protecting the community from all adversaries.
The Ogbo Tein Tuwa Erein Uge festival is not the only celebration in the Ikibiri community. The ageless annual New Yam festival is also widely celebrated.
These cultural events serve as an important reminder of the rich history and heritage of the Ikibiri community.
