Ikpoleki festival fosters inter-religious harmony in Edo

By Osaigovo Iguobaro Benin

The Chief Priest (Oba’ro) of Aduwawa Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nosakhare Odomore, has described Ikpoleki cultural festival as key to inter-religious harmony in Nigeria.
The festival, is believed to have helped residents of Aduwawa, Ahor, Ikhuen and its neighbours in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the State to wade-off evil from the land.
Odomore spoke at the sidelines of the ongoing 2018 annual festival, which began last week at Aduwawa Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
He said the festival which began Centuries ago, has helped promote trade and inter-religious harmony among different religious faith in Nigeria particularly Hausa, Edo, Arewa Community.
The Octogenarian, revealed that sick people are also healed during the 7-Day festival used for the conservation of cultural heritage of the people as agent of stability across the various Communities.
Our Correspondents reports that the act of philosophy that has greeted the events in the last forty years, the Chief priest was enthroned, has made his palace at Old Benin Auchi Road a beehive for social activities.
Also, over 150 women including widows and youths partook from the bulls which were slain for entertainment of guests while special dance troops entertained guests.
According to the Chief priest, “Women had been denied certain benefits in the communities in the past, but, since I emerged as the Chief priest (Ohen Oba’o) of Aduwawa Community, I abolished the practice.
“I believe women are more important and they suffer more and care for the children, especially when the man is broke. But, the man is the head of the home.
“Even in this festival we are Celebrating now, the women carry more burden than the men. When the men go out, the women are locked inside their rooms. When the men return home, they get tired after th exercise. The women cook and perform other responsibility for their husbands and Children.
“Apart from that, I have compassion for women who have distinguished themselves.
“When we are going to this mock battle known as Ikhuen war, the women panick at home over fear of the unknown.
“I personally believe that anticipating death is even worse than death. It is bad and dangerous.
“Under my watch, I feel women should not be ruled out, I had to include them at Ikpoleki festival. I started giving them gifts them”, he said.