Abia Community Suspends Weddings and Burials for 28 Day, Prohibits Weapons During New Yam Festival

The use of weapons—including guns, axes, knives, daggers, and machetes—has been banned for the upcoming Iri Ji (Igba Ekpe) New Yam festival in Ebem Ohafia ancient kingdom, located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

Additionally, no burials, weddings, or private ceremonies will be permitted between September 20 and October 16, 2025, to ensure that the festival celebrations proceed peacefully and in an orderly manner.

This directive was issued by the Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, in partnership with the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU).

In a statement released on Monday, Ifeanyi Okali, Public Relations Officer of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, warned that anyone found carrying weapons would be handed over to security agencies for prosecution.

The community also announced that there will be no public procession this year. Instead, the royal procession will move directly from Ebem Ujuruezie Palace to Abum Square for the Abum Assembly and festival activities.

“The monarch stressed that while Ebem Ohafia is a welcoming community, it will not tolerate any actions that threaten peace, culture, or security,” the statement concluded.