“Ito-ogbo” is a unique Obosi tradition in which members of an age grade celebrating their
80th-82nd birthday are honored by the citizens of the whole town and this is
done every three years. The history of ito-ogbo festival in Obosi dates as far
back as 400AD. Ito-ogbo is practically a celebration of the beneficiaries long
life and in a way a preview of their funeral (as this in Obosi culture is also a
celebration of the life lived by the departed).
This festival gives the celebrants an opportunity to celebrate their long life with family members and well-wishers. On the day of the celebration, the celebrants, who are dressed up in traditional regalia are escorted by family members, well-wishers, and
traditional music groups to a town square named Eke. At the square some
traditional rites are performed amidst celebratory canon shots and music. After
the rites at the town square each celebrant, their family and invitees will
return to their respective homes to continue the celebration. Foods, drinks, and
music are usually in abundance.
At the end of this celebration, the male celebrant will receive the title of Ogbueshi and decorated with a red-cap and the female will receive the title of Ogbueshi-Nwanyi and a red scarf. Historically, only men participated in Ito-ogbo festival but in recent times
women are also full participants