ARONDIZUOGU PATRIOTIC UNION CALIFORNIA

IKEJI FESTIVAL

ARONDIZUOGU PATRIOTIC UNION CALIFORNIA CAL-APU SATURDAY JULY 30, 2016

Veterans Memorial Complex, 4117, Overland, Culver City CA 90230. 7PM lLos Angeles Times

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CAL-APU IKEJI 2016

002.

The

family of

Dr Obinna & Mrs Nkechi Okereke congratulate the executive and members of Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California for hosting the first ever Ikeji cultural carnival in California.

We appreciate the enormous hardwork you have put in to make this great Aro tradition a huge success.

We recognize that CAL-APU is promoting an understanding of Arondizuogu history, traditions, and culture. Let us celebrate our rich culture in grandeur.

ARISE, O COMPATRIOT Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand, Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"

Arise, O compatriots Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labour of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom Peace and unity.

Oh God of creation Direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace And justice shall reign.

Kulienu ndi ala-anyi Zaa oku Naijiria Je ozi n'okwukwe, n'ike, n'ihunanya Ka mbo ndi odogwu anyi gbara Ghara ila n'ighi Je ozi na ume na obi Na obodo nwere onwe ya, n'udo, n'idi n'otu

ARONDIZUOGU PATRIOTIC UNION Congress of North America 2016 IKEJI FESTIVAL Introduction of MC Opening Prayers National Anthem (Nigeria and USA) Welcome Address by Dr. Obinna Okereke, Cal-APU President Presentation of kola nut Background and Fundamentals of Ikeji Festival (by Sir Nath Okafor-Ogbaji, Okekwe Izuogu) Music! Music! Music!

Aro Community: Its history, Culture, Economic and Political Influence or Relevance to the Igbo/Nigeria Political and Social Setting (by Professor Emeritus O. C. Nwana, Omekaibeya) Aro Women ‘Ojojo’ Dance Dinner! Dinner! Dinner!

Dazzling Performance by Arondizuogu Masquerades Dance! Dance! Dance!

2nd Dazzling Performance by Arondizuogu Masquerades Dance! Dance! Dance!

Final Performance by Arondizuogu Masquerades Closing Remarks and Prayer

KEJ HISTORY CAL-APU

a family unit of Arondizuogu Patriotic Union National Congress of Northern America will host

Ikeji

cultural festival in Los Angeles on July 30, 2016.

T

he popular Arondizuogu Ikeji emanated from Ikeji Aro, an annual festival which Aro people all over the world celebrate. It presupposes the fact that Ndi-Aro then was a single community situated in Arochukwu so Ikeji was celebrated by all Aro indigenes in September of every year before the harvesting of yams for the year. That Tradition of Celebrating Ikeji in September still takes place in Arochukwu. However with the formation of a new settlement called Arondizuogu by Mazi Izuogu and his chief servant and warrior --Mazi Iheme, changes to the cultural event began to evolve.

Though Mazi Izuogu had estab-

lished his own settlement called Arondizuogu, and started a family, he went back to his village, Ogbunukpo Akuma Oke-Nnachi of Amankwu in Arochukwu and spent a considerable amount of time including celebrating the annual Ikeji festival. Mazi Izuogu and his servant/warrior Iheme acquired the present Arondizuogu land from battles and wars fought and won.

Mazi Izuogu then made Mazi Iheme the regent of Arondizuogu, a great position of responsibility that meant he had to oversee and protect the new settlement from intruders.

E

ven after Mazi Iheme was made the Regent of Arondizuogu, he would still go to Arochukwu every September to celebrate Ikeji Arochukwu in his master’s household and to pay homage (Ibu Ihu) to his master and landlord and/or to his master’s descendants after the death and funeral obsequies of Mazi Izuogu. Each time Mazi Iheme made this trip he would take with him, at least seven men and some women and gifts. Iheme will present to his master Mazi Izuogu the following items: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x.

At least four baskets of big yams (ukpa ji ano) Four baskets of big cocoyam of various types (ukpa ede ano) One full basket of dry meat (otungiga anu okpoo) One basket of dry fish (out ngiga aazu okpoo) Four pots of red palm oil Four gallons of palm wine (ojong mmai ngwo abuo) Four gallons of raffia palm wine (ojongo nmai ngwo abuo) Some bottles of ground tobacco Some heads of tobacco leaves Some humps of potassium nitrate (Akanwu) etc

On the actual Ikeji day (Orie

Egbugbu) Iheme would usually give to his master “ihu” as it was customary in Arochukwu. On that day, Iheme as a Regent must slaughter at least one “ He goat” or a native male cow (Oke Ehi Igbo) from which he would prepare the seven “Ihu” special items which he must give Mazi Izuogu to show his unalloyed loyalty to his master who trusted him with great assets.

“Ikeji” in March or April does not naturally follow the trend or norms of the Aro and Igbo seasonal activities.

That the people of Arondizuogu

chose to celebrate their own Ikeji during this unusual period must therefore have some unique connotations. Mazi Iheme had all the time chosen the date convenient to him for the celebrated visit of Mazi Izuogu to the settlement. He had always exercised the priveledges of a host in so doing.

Ikeji Arondizuogu: It was this celebrative occasion of laying his hands into the year’s Ikeji Arondizuogu is currently farmland (Ibinye Aka N’Ubi) that

celebrated in March or early April after Easter which is basically a planting season not a harvesting season. After settling at Arondizuogu, Iheme and “Ndi ya” though physically occupying the land had still to ask for the permission of Mazi Izuogu to farm every year.

This was to make sure that Mazi Izuogu did not lose control of his hard won property. “Ka Ihe madu ghara igho ihe onye ozo”. By this token Mazi Iheme would between March and April of every year invite his master, Mazi Izuogu who was resident in Arochukwu to Arondizuogu the new settlement.

Choosing and Announcing Ikeji Date:

It is apparent both from Ndi

culminated to what is today called Ikeji at Arondizuogu in Imo State of Nigeria. It naturally became the responsibility of Mazi Iheme to schedule the dates of Ikeji Izuogu.

This process has been in effect since the beginning of the settlement and in fact since the death of Mazi Izuogu Akuma Oke-Nnachi. Descendants, friends, admirers or relations of Mazi Izuogu who may want to perform Ikeji rituals and rites for Mazi Izuogu in accordance with Arochukwu rites are free to do so every September at Izuogu quarters in Amankwu Arochukwu. At the death of Mazi Iheme, his descendants took over the assignment left by their father, Iheme. Mazi Aniche, the first son of IIheme is responsible for fixing Ikeji date.

A

Arochukwu and Ndi Igbo cultural perspective that no new yam

number of rituals and sacrifices are carried out at the Obi of Iheme, by the eldest male descendant

festival takes place in March or April. This is because by months of March and April, all yams are supposed to have been harvested and stored in yam barns.

(Aniche) of Mazi Iheme. There is the kola nut celebration which precedes offering of prayers to with a bottle of dry Gin to the Ndi Ichie (the ancestors).

This serves as a convenant of unity among all participants and their descendants.

A native cow is slaughtered by the chief celebrant. The chief celebrant sprinkles the blood on the Ofo, on the (mpi-atu) horn and on other artifacts displayed at the altar. The blood is also spread on “Ogirisi” leaves, on the sacrificial mats (Okpukpa Aja), all displayed at the altar.

O

n completion of the Ikeji rituals, the celebrant picks up the horn from the altar and sounds it four times by knocking it on the floor of the altar. He then picks up a bar of unprocessed limestone (Nzu) and draws four lines at the entrance of the Obi and in front of the altar. At the sound of the horn from the Obi, some gunshots or cannons shots are fired. In the recent past, each Ndi-Iheme town would fire at least one cannon shot to indicate its full participation in the wholesome sacrifice.

H

aving completed all the necessary rituals and sacrifices, the chief celebrant or the Eze Iheme would pronounce the date for Ikeji Izuogu, which must be seven native weeks (28 days) away from the date of Ikeji. The date must begin on Orie Market days. This concludes the official celebration of Ikeji Iheme and the official announcement of the date for Ikeji Arondizuogu.

Celebrating Ikeji: Ikeji cultural festival of Arondi-

zuogu in Imo State is a popular festival that brings the Igbo speaking community around the world together. Its origin dates back to over five centuries and it is acclaimed as the biggest pan-Igbo cultural community festival with strong heritage, international recognition and is witnessed by thousands of people on a yearly basis. It is arguably the biggest cultural festival in Igboland.

In contemporary times, each

passing year has witnessed an increase in grandeur, display, dance, sophistication and an all-inclusive participation of all Arondizuogu people and friends. The festival is marked with colorful display of different masquerades such as Oji-Onu, Mgbadike, Okwonma, Nwabuja, and Ogba-Mgbada prestigiously parading across the market square to the admiration of the public.

T

he essence of the festival, which ranks among the best surviving traditional ceremonies of the Arondizuogu people, is to celebrate the harvest of the first yams. It serves to unify and foster ties among Aro people who are spread across the entire Igbo speaking states and part of Cross River state. It appeals to the entire Igbo speaking peoples both at home and in the Diaspora.

I

keji is a four-day festival of propitiation, thanksgiving and feasting which is held annually in March or April. Reckoned with the Igbo calendar, these four days correspond to one Igbo week of four market days (Eke, Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo). Each of these days has a special significance and represents one of the several dimensions of Ikeji – a festival renowned for sumptuous feasting, fascinating masquerades, pulsating rhythms, and colourful performances.

Traditional musical instruments

used to accompany the masquerades are ekwe (wooden slit drum) of various sizes, ogene (metal gong), bells, maracas and oja (wooden flutes). The flutist is a very important element in the ikeji festival. He deftly communicates with the masquerades - weaving soulful melodies and blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums. Another interesting aspect of ikeji is the raconteur known as ima mbem an imaginative tale delivered with a musical cadence that only the initiated can sometimes understand or comprehend.

The importance of the flutist

during Ikeji festival is very vital, for he communicates things hidden from the ordinary eyes to the masquerades, combined with soulful melodies, steps and gestures, “blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums” to the admiration of the crowd.

A

n old practice of untying a cow tied to a stake with mystical powers on the last day of Ikeji festival is no longer practiced. During Ikeji festival, on the last day, a ram is usually tied to a pole at a popular market square with a strong rope. Somebody with the strongest mystical power/black magic is expected to leisurely walk to the ram amidst heavy opposition from other competitors. Only the brave can participate in this high stake magical show of power. Obviously the not so brave will either abstain from or remain with the crowd as spectators. It is only the brave and mighty can step forward from the crowd, one after another and approach the tree with a view to untying the ram.

However, each contender will

be attacked by forces that will prevent him from accomplishing his task. In fact he might be maimed or pushed out of the contest. It is only the bravest among the masquerades participating in the competition for that year’s festival, after overcoming all odds, will reach the ram and untie it and take it, to a thunderous applause by the spectators.

This will be followed by visits to his house by fellow kinsmen with food and wine for elevating the status of his village.

Each year this is used to commemorate the person in Arondizuogu and neighbouring towns with the strongest native power.

OBINNA OKEREKE

Welcome Address A ll protocols observed, Good evening

distinguished ladies and gentlemen you are welcome to the ďŹ rst Ikeji cultural festival in Los Angeles California. This is the beginning of a cultural event we intend to host biannually. We welcome all those that have come from as far as Nigeria, Europe, Australia, Canada and all the various states of the United States of America.

This is a day that we should all savor and enjoy.

The Ikeji tradition has evolved over the past century from obscurity to an internationally recognized cultural event that attracts thousands of people across the globe.

The desire to host Ikeji Arondizuogu in Los Angeles is part of CAL-APU vision to showcase a world class cultural festival. A culture that reects the Aro heritage and indeed the Igbo tradition, a culture that would mold and guide future generations of enlightened minds.

CAL-APU

strength is not in her

number but the quality and commitment of the few active patriotic members who have contributed their time, human and material resources to make sure this event is a success.

We embarked on a project that was budgeted at $20,000, an intimidating dollar amount for such a small group. We however recognize the fact that we have the DNA of warriors who are not afraid to take up any big project no matter the cost.

That was how we built 2 secondary schools simultaneously in Arondizuogu namely Iheme Memorial secondary school and National High school. We are very optimistic people who believe in hope and a greater future.

T

hough all the educational institutions and

other infrastructures in Arondizuogu have deteriorated drastically, we are Umu Izuogu na iheme, we will rebuild our institutions just in the same way we built Ikeji cultural festival from an entertainment event for the pleasure of Mazi Izuogu to an annual event that is watched by thousands of people across the globe.

C

ulture is the total way of life of a people,

the characteristics of a particular group of people, deďŹ ned by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts, norms and customs, which is the fabric of any society. If these norms are not properly followed in our society, our culture will resemble a perfume with no smell.

T

T

I

O

he beauty lies in the exquisite grandeur of

presenting these norms and customs to people who surround us through music, dances, arts, crafts, food, dressing, fashion, languages just to mention a few. It is only through culture that human beings act uniformly and live as a society.

Thus, culture may be defined in totality as a way of life of a certain given society or community, the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes a community or society.

keji is a four- day festival of propitiation,

thanksgiving and feasting which is held annually in March or April. In accordance with the Igbo calendar, these four days corresponds to one Igbo week of four market days, namely Eke Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo. Each of these days has a special significance and represents one of the several dimensions of the Ikeji festival renowned for sumptuous feasting, fascinating masquerades, pulsating traditional music and colorful performance. Normally Arochukwu Ikeji takes place in September which is the yam harvesting season. Then one may ask why is Ikeji Arondizuogu celebrated in March or April when the first yams have been harvested and stored in the barn. For the answer to this question please read about Ikeji Arondizuogu history on page 5-7.

he Ikeji festival is believed to be the

cornerstone of Arondizuogu culture; it is an annual event that unites families, communities and attracts thousands of people from all over the world. As a tourist attraction, spectators witness the beautiful culture, history and other amazing natural phenomena which Arondizuogu is blessed with and cherishes. Ikeji Arondizuogu is our identity and we are proud of our cultural heritage.

nce again, you are all welcome to this

great event. Please relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you and God bless

Obinna Okereke,

PharmD, FPCpharm, Dph, MBA, ACIP, AAHIVP

Igboneriaku, Ochendo Izuogu President CAL-APU

Congratulations and Solidarity to

My Husband, Chief Prof/Dr. Paul Chimezie Odinaka Akamnonu

My children and I wish to congratulate and support our father and husband, Chief Prof/Dr. Paul Chimezie Odinaka Akamnonu, Iso-Izuogu/Iso 1 of Arondizuogu, on his march and resolve to contribute immensely toward the uplift of mankind and the society through his professorial, academic, and humanitarian services.

Yes, as an academic with specialty and expertise in management and organizational leadership you have significantly utilized effective leadership skills in transforming our world.

My darling Ody, the highly educated gentleman I know, I pray that God will grant you the wisdom and long life to be steadfast in your resolve to transform the society in your own little ways through published texts, articles, academic, and humanitarian work- so at the end I will only say, ‘He Did It; He Rightly Played His Part on the Stage.’ Your children- Ginika, Ugo, Chiso, and Adanze are very, very proud of you.

Please keep the flag flying high. Finally, I congratulate our Cal-APU President- my brother Dr. Obinna Okereke- and the entire people of Arondizuogu for celebrating this festival.

Signed for the family: Edith Akamnonu, MSN, FNP, PHN, BSN Ugo-Oyibo/Ugo-Bekee

The Family of Sir Kingsley & Lady Dr. Uzoamaka Ekejiuba OD, MD heartily congratulates The Family of

Sir Dave & Lady Ngozi Ejimole

and all the members of California Arondizuogu Patriotic Union on the celebration of the first Ikeji in Los Angeles, California, USA. Long live Izuogu nile! Long live my in-laws!! Long live Igbo nile!!!

Happy 83rd birthday Eze Professor Green Onyekaba Nwankwo, OON Ezeọhazurume 1 of Arọ-Onụimo

To our father, father-in-law and grandfather Eze Professor

Green Onyekaba Nwankwo, OON Ezeọhazurume 1 of Arọ-Onụimo

We wish you many happy returns, good health and continuing wisdom. Ụkaọbasị Okoroafọ Nwokeji, grandson Nwaka Obioma Nwokeji, granddaughter Anaezi Ekenma Nwokeji, granddaughter Dr. Nnenna Nwokeji, daughter Professor G. Ugo Nwokeji, son-in-law

The Family of

Engr. Humphrey and Dr. (Mrs.) Caroline Egekeze Congratulates the family of Chief (Dr.) PAUL AKAMNONU and the Arondizuogu Progressive Union, U.S.A on the successful organization of the IKEJI FESTIVAL, 2016.

Long Live Arondizuogu!!

Chuma Ubannwa and family

The family of Chuma and Nwaomiko Ubannwa congratulates the family of

Dr & Mrs. Obinna Okereke

and CAL-APU on the celebration of the first ever Ikeji cultural Festival in Los Angeles.

As an in-law I am proud that Ikeji has become an international cultural event.

Chuma Ubannwa and family.

My family and myself wish to congratulate Cal APU on this historic occasion of the first ever Ikeji Festival on the soil of the state of California Los Angeles.

We are proud to be part of this celebration.

Mr. and Mrs Robert Okereke (Nwachinemere Izuogu )

The family of

Mazi (Sir/ Lady) David & Ngozi Ejimole (home and abroad) congratulates Cal-APU, and entire people of Arondizuogu in the United States on the occasion of their 1st Ikeji festival in Los Angeles, California, USA, on July 30, 2016 Izuogu Mmamma nu!

Mmamma nu!!

Mmamma nu!!!

Umu nwanyi, Ori-ihe Ori-ihe nu ooo‌

Sir Kingsley Ejike Ekejiuba & Lady Dr. Uzoamaka Ekejiuba, OD, MD together with our lovely children:

Chukwuebuka, Ejike Jr. & Chiamaka,

wish to congratulate the entire members of Cal-APU and Ndi Arondizuogu on their very first IKEJI festival in Los Angeles, California.

Long live Cal-APU! Long live Arondizuogu!!!

Omenyi of Arondizuogu

Chief and Mrs Frank Ifediba, Omenyi of Arondizuogu,

congratulate

Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke and CAL-APU general assembly on the celebration of the first ever

Ikeji Cultural festival

in Los Angeles California.

Ikeji Arondizuogu is now an international cultural event.

Well done

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Our Office

BENEJ Pediatrics Congratulates our Mom Lolo

Stella Nnenne Ejimole, our Adanne Adamazi, Lady Dr. Uzoamaka Ekejiuba,

and all members of California Arondizuogu Patriotic Union on their IKEJI celebration in Los Angeles.

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Ogaranyaejeghimba, Eririahurukwaete of Ndizuogu

Chief Kingsley Ike (Dr Alladin) Ogaranyaejeghimba, Eririahurukwaete

of Ndizuogu congatulates Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California for organizing the first ever Ikeji Festival in Los Angeles.

Ikeji is the cultural symbol of Arondizuogu.

I am proud to be associated with your decision to promote our culture in California USA. I wish you a wonderful event.

God bless CAL-APU God bless Arondizuogu Chief Kingsley Ike (Dr Alladin) Ogaranyaejeghimba

Adamazi Lady Dr. Uzoamaka Ekejiuba

Hon. Mike & Dr. Mrs. Jovita Alofoje congratulate

Adamazi Lady Dr. Uzoamaka Ekejiuba and the entire members of California Arondizuogu Patriotic Union on 2016 IKEJI FESTIVAL in Los Angeles.

We wish you a great outing.

The family of

Prince Jerome Okonkwo Congratulates

Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke

and Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California for hosting the first ever Ikeji Festival in Los Angeles.

We are excited to be identified with the most iconic traditional cultural event in Nigeria.

May Almighty God seal this event with his glory.

I Mazi

Ndubisi Obioha

and family congratulates Cal-APU on our first ever Ikeji Festival in California .

I'm proud to be Nwamazi and thank you for keeping our culture alive.

Chief/Nze Engineer John Oluebube & Lolo Ijeoma Awujo and their family congratulate

Chief Prof/Dr. Paul Akamnonu

(Iso 1 of Arondizuogu) and his wife, Lolo Edith Akamnonu, on the occasion of celebration of Arondizuogu Ikeji Cultural Festival in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. & Mrs Iyke & Hope Nwambie

Goodwill Greetings We seize this opportunity to wish our friend

Dr. Obinna Okereke and the great members of the ARONDIZUOGU PATRIOTIC UNION CALIFORNIA a great and wonderful IKEJI FESTIVAL. Kindly accept our heartfelt felicitations in this regard.

Signed,

Dr. & Mrs Iyke & Hope Nwambie Miami, Florida

BTGI

BUILTECH GROUP INC builtech9@yahoo.com 6007 Buckler Avenue Los Angeles CA, 90043

The Board of Directors, Management and Sta of Builtech Group Inc congratulate Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke and Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California for celebrating the iconic Ikeji cultural festival in Los Angeles We are proud to be associated with the family of Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke and Arondizuogu community on the promotion of the rich tradition and culture symbolized by Ikeji cultural Festival.

We wish CAL-APU a successful cultural show Ed Umeh, Managing Director Didi Umeh, Director Marisa Umeh, Director Tobi Umeh, Director

The family of

Dr Chikezie, Dr (Mrs) Ebere Okereke and our darling daughter Amara congratulate

Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke and family.

We also congratulate CAL-APU for hosting one of the most enduring traditional cultural legacies of our great community Arondizuogu.

Kudos for promoting our culture.

We wish you a successful event from England.

Dr Okezika & Dr (Mrs ) Phyllis Okereke

The family of Dr Okezika MD, Dr (Mrs ) Phyllis Okereke MD, Houston Texas Congratulate Dr and Mrs Obinna Okereke, Pastor and Mrs Robert Okereke and the entire members of Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California for celebrating and promoting our cultural heritage.

Ikeji Carnival is an international event which has placed Arondizuogu and indeed all Arros in the cultural World Map. Well done my people

Mazi Sam & Mrs Pat Nwaekeke congratulate Arondizuogu Patriotic Union California on this special event, Ikeji Cultural Festival.

We are proud of Arondizuogu's tradition and culture.