“Ito-ogbo” is a unique Obosi tradition in which members of an age grade celebrating their
\n80th-82nd birthday are honored by the citizens of the whole town and this is
\ndone every three years. The history of ito-ogbo festival in Obosi dates as far
\nback as 400AD. Ito-ogbo is practically a celebration of the beneficiaries long
\nlife and in a way a preview of their funeral (as this in Obosi culture is also a
\ncelebration of the life lived by the departed).<\/p>\n
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
\ntraditional music groups to a town square named Eke. At the square some
\ntraditional rites are performed amidst celebratory canon shots and music. After
\nthe rites at the town square each celebrant, their family and invitees will
\nreturn to their respective homes to continue the celebration. Foods, drinks, and
\nmusic are usually in abundance.<\/p>\n
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
\nwomen are also full participants<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“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 … Continue reading