CULTURAL RE-AWAKENING…As Tompolo leads Ijaw sons, daughters to Bini-ebi festival in Ogulagha community

By Ebi Perekeme 
   
Preparation is already underway as High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo predominantly referred to as Tompolo by his admirers will lead teaming Ijaw sons and daughter across the nation to worship at this year’s Bini-ebi Madinorbo Annual Festival.

The three days event is scheduled to hold between March 29 to 31 at the Bini-ebi Madinorbo temple in Ogulagha community, Burutu Local Government of Delta state, with a series of outlined activities.

Aside the fact that members of the community were already in a festive mood as a result of the planned event, making the development newsy is the awareness that this highly spiritual celebration has Tompolo, as both high chief priest and spiritual director.

Tompolo, who is the former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), now a world peace ambassador and the high chief priest of the Egbesu deity, which is the Ijaw god of war and justice. 

Chief John Diegbegha, the Bini-kariwei of Ogulagha Kingdom, made this known in a statement on Monday.

According to him, Diegbagha, who spoke to GbaramatuVoice in Ogulagha community, stated that the year’s celebration will last for three days beginning on Monday March 29 to Wednesday March 31, 2021. And will have Tompolo, leading high class Ijaw traditional rulers to pray for Ijaw nation.

Giving details of events, Chief Diegbegha noted that the first day of the event (Monday March 29th), will see Government lead a large gathering of notable spiritualists, traditionalists and other participants from Ijaw nation and beyond, to pray for peace and unity among the Ijaws and the nation Nigeria as a whole.

This will be accompanied by other traditional rites and performances such as masquerade dance among others.

On the second day, he added, Oweizide Ekpemupolo, the deity spiritual head/director will again on behalf of the teaming worshippers perform spiritual rites to the deity. These rites will include but not limited to spiritual cleansings and fortification of him, members/followers.

The day will be in addition be coloured with some traditional performances.

The third day, which is the grand finale of the event, Tompolo is expected to lead other members and participants in thanksgiving to God for sustaining Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole. After which, other cultural and social activities that range from entertainment of guests, traditional performances by notable Ijaw dance groups will follow.

Bini-ebi, as a spectacle, provides a good understanding of Ijaw myth, history, belief and the ceremonial significance of the ancient town. It is about the Queen mother, a personality with enormous wealth and political influence.

Ogulagha community is expected to receive a large number of people, including visitors, tourists and culture enthusiasts from all over the world.