It was all colours at the Nnem Jane Oke Villa, Okoko Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State as Dr. Ogbonnaya Oke performed the traditional Age Grade retirement ‘Igboto mma’ ceremony.
The event which took place on December 28, 2024 attracted the presence of prominent individuals who came to rejoice with the celebrant, Dr. Oke.
Fielding questions from IVNTVNEWS, the elated Oke described the ceremony as one of the greatest events in his life.
He also expressed excitement at the number of personalities that graced the occasion. According to him, it is a thing of great joy and I praise to God for it.
Speaking on the significance of the traditional ‘Igboto mma’, retirement, Oke noted that ceremony is the highpoint of the Age Grade system in Okoko Item.
He said, “Oh, it is so significant in our local society. Because when an Age grade gets to a point they will be retired from the Age grade system. And a new one will be initiated.
“December 26, 2024 was the formal retirement date of the Age grade and a new Age grade, Ngedima Age Grade was initiated to become part of the Age Grade system. As the old one retires, a new one is initiated. So, that is how it works in Okoko Item.
Dr. Oke, however, pointed out that as colourful and significant as the Age Grade system, only sons of the community are initiated into the Age grade system in Okoko Item.
According to him, back in the days, long before now, the society was protected through the Age grade system. The Age Grade go to war to protect the community from external aggression.
On the significance of the ‘Igboto mma’, retirement of his Age Grade, Oke expressed gratitude that he was alive to perform the ceremony.
He said, “Ordinarily what it means is that from now on, people of this Age grade will no longer go to war. They will now sit back and take advisory role to younger ones who are deployed to the war front, as the need arises.
Another significant event at the ceremony was the appearance of the dreaded masquerade, Odunkuru.
Speaking on the significance of the Odunkuru masquerade, Oke said, “You see, the masquerade Odunkuru has two human heads. And these are heads cut in a war. The heads are so well preserved that they can last millions of years. This is an indigenous technology that is employed by our people to preserve the heads.
“We also have this technology to make the land open and our warriors will enter. And they will appear in the next village and carry out their war. After which, they will come back to the community through the ground.
“So, the Odunkuru masquerade epitomized the celebration of Igboto mma, Age grade retirement,” he said.
Among the personalities that graced the occasion included Chris Uche, SAN, Abia State Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Kingsley Onongbuo, and Professor Chidi Uzoma Esike.
Also at the occasion, were former Registrar, Abia State University, Uturu, Dr. Earnest Onuoha, former Director Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Onyebuchi Ome.
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