By Rev. Fr. Benedict C.C. Amuchie
The Mbaise nation is located in the Owerri Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. It comprises three Local Government Areas: Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Ezinihitte Mbaise. These LGAs were carved out from five ancestral clans; Oke Ovoro, Agbaja, Ekwereazu, Ahiara, and Ezinihitte—from which the name “Mbaise” (meaning “five nations”) is derived.
While Ezinihitte now stands as a separate LGA, Oke Ovoro and Agbaja make up Aboh Mbaise LGA, while Ekwereazu and Ahiara form Ahiazu Mbaise LGA. The people of Mbaise remain hopeful that each of these five clans will eventually become individual Local Government Areas.
Mbaise people are known for their education, industry, and resilience. They are achieving excellence in diverse fields globally. While they are peaceful and just, they also detest injustice and will always stand against any form of oppression or intimidation.
Religious and Spiritual Significance
The Mbaise New Yam Festival (Iri Ji Mbaise) stands out in two very unique ways:
1. It is fixed permanently on August 15th each year, unlike most other communities whose festivals fluctuate.
2. It coincides with the Catholic Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, also celebrated on August 15.
Given that Mbaise is predominantly Catholic—with nearly every kindred having produced a Catholic priest or religious (Rev. Father or Sister)—this coincidence is seen as divinely inspired.
It is now a common sight to see Catholic faithfuls bring their new yams to church on this day for blessing by the priests before returning home to prepare and eat them. This has replaced the pre-Christian practice of offering sacrifices at the community shrine to the yam deity known as ahanjoku. Today, the festival is entirely God-centered, with prayers of thanksgiving offered for a bountiful harvest, especially by ndi Ezeji (yam title holders).
Socio-Cultural Importance
The Iri Ji Mbaise is not just a celebration of harvest; it is a grand showcase of Mbaise’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is organized by ndi Ezeji in collaboration with other prominent sons and daughters of Mbaise. It is hosted on a rotational basis among the three LGAs:
Last year – Aboh Mbaise
This year – Ezinihitte Mbaise
Next year – Ahiazu Mbaise
This festival is the largest unifying event in Mbaise land, attracting people from all walks of life—traditional rulers, clergy, professors, politicians, captains of industry, farmers, and more. It is a day of cultural pride, marked by dances, music, yam feasts, traditional attire, and displays of Mbaise artistry and identity.
Socio-Political Influence
Despite repeated calls by Ndi Ezeji and Ezuruezu Mbaise (a major socio-cultural group) to keep the festival apolitical, it has naturally become a platform for subtle political expressions. Given Mbaise’s large population and political relevance in Imo State, politicians often use the occasion to make appearances, network, or subtly promote preferred candidates.
Over the years, the festival has drawn high-profile political and public figures, including:
Former Presidents and Vice Presidents of Nigeria, serving and past Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives, military chiefs, ministers, judiciary members, governors, especially the sitting Governor of Imo State, etc.
It’s also a day when prominent Mbaise sons and daughters invite friends and associates to experience Mbaise hospitality and support development efforts in Mbaise land.
Some notable Mbaise personalities who have brought prominence and prestige to the festival include:
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha – Former Governor of Imo State,
Rt. Hon. Godfrey Kemdi Dikeocha – Former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly,
Dr. Ada Okwuonu – Former Deputy Governor of Imo people State,
Prof. Viola Onwuliri & Prof. Fabian Osuji – Former Federal Ministers,
Senator Chris Anyanwu – Former Lawmaker,
Sir Stanley Amuchie – Executive Director, Fidelity Bank PLC,
Chief Frank Nneji – CEO, ABC Transport,
Chief Kanayo O. Kanayo – Veteran Nollywood Actor, etc.
Prominent journalists like Chief Sam Onwuemeodo, Dr. Max Amuchie, Sir Amby Uneze, Chief Emma Ehioma, etc have also played crucial roles in using media to project the festival to national and international audiences.
Conclusion
The Mbaise New Yam Cultural Festival is more than a cultural tradition; it is a unifying force, a thanksgiving ritual, a political convergence, and a powerful platform for socio-economic development.
Its uniqueness lies in its timing, religious alignment, cultural richness, and its ability to bring together generations of Mbaise people and well-wishers from across the globe.
May God continue to bless the Mbaise nation and preserve this beautiful heritage for generations to come.
•Rev Fr. Amuchie is a lecturer and public affairs commentator
