The Olare-Aja (head) of Okere Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Ogieboro E.F. Esisi says since 1497 (520 years ago) when Okiroro Festival, popularly called Awankere Festival or Okere Juju began, “the community has not missed any enactment even during the 1st, second world, Nigeria Civil War and the Warri crisis, the festival was performed”.
The Delta Community leader made the declaration Saturday July 22 at the Okere Market Square in the heart of Warri during the grand finale, (5th Market) of the 2017 Okiroro Festival.
The Olare-Aja of Okere, Ogieboro E.F Esisi (4th left) Pa. Churchil Oki (2nd left) Prince Temisan Omatseye (3rd right) Chief Kofi Kartey (4th right) & others in a procession to Okere Market Square, Warri for the afternoon session of Awankere festival
While thanking sons and daughters of Okere Community in particular as well as the Itsekiri Nation at large for sustaining the festival, Ogieboro E.F. Esisi disclosed that the Akulagba of Warri, Chief Ayirimi Emami “has been assisting and sponsoring this festival consistently for about ten years, including his sophisticate (sic) 911 Public Address System”.
He explained that the absence of communication giant, MTN in the sponsorship of the 2017 Okiroro Festival was “due to some logistics problems”, expressing optimism that the company will partner the community in the 2018 edition of the festival.
Fresh Angle International can also report that the festival became an avenue for political gladiators to campaign technically on their forthcoming political ambitions.
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, when Awankere Masquerades came visiting at the Olu Palace, Warri
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli (Middle) Olare-Aja of Okere, Ogieboro E.F Esisi (2nd right) Chief Yaya Pessu (left) & others
‘Okpoye’ the Mother of the Masquerades dancing with her ancient traditional attire at the Olu Palace, Warri , while Prince Alex Iwere, Chief Ayirimi Emami & others participate
Cross Section of ‘Okere Juju’ on their way to Olu Palace, Warri
Chief (Mrs.) P.E.B Uku presenting a trophy to representative of Idimi Jakpa (one of the quarters in Okere) for emerging second during a dance parade
Prominent political figures that attended the colourful event include: Prince Temisan Omatseye, Dr. Augustine Uroye, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli and Hon. Omimi Esquire.
Front row: (from left): Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, Mr. Dafe Ikpuri, Air Commodore YD Daniel, Eugene Ebisin, Dr. Augustine Uroye, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah & others at Okere Market Square
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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