The maiden Iri-Ji (New Yam) Celebration of the Apapa-Iganmu Igbo Community held at the weekend with Eze Apostle Justice Enejuba — Eze Uru di na Chukwu and Eze Igbo of Apapa-Iganmu convening the ceremony and hosting titled men and women, alongside representatives of the two parallel Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo groups operating in the district.
The gathering, described by leaders as a symbolic step toward reconciliation, marked the first time in years that all major Igbo blocs in Apapa-Iganmu would sit together under one roof.
Community leader, Festus Diochu, lamented the persistent rifts among Igbo stakeholders in the LCDA and urged traditional institutions to drive a new era of harmony. “It is time for all Ndi Igbo to stand under one umbrella,” he said.
Chairman of the ceremony, Igwe Okanume Donatus Uchechukwu , Igwe Apapa/Sari-Iganmu (Ojukwu II) called on the community to uphold Igbo cultural values seriously, noting that the Iri-Ji remains “a sacred celebration of love, progress and continuity.” He prayed that all who partook in the new yam celebration would receive long life and prosperity.
Eze Justice, who also marked his birthday at the event, cut a celebratory cake presented by daughters of the community. He reaffirmed his commitment to uniting all Igbo residents in Apapa-Iganmu and strengthening broader Igbo solidarity across Lagos State.
Ichie Lucky Okorie, Chairman of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya Social Organisation under the Eze Justice’s leadership, said the group was established to bridge divides — traditional, political and linguistic. According to him, the unity drive will take root in Apapa-Iganmu before extending to other parts of Lagos.
In a message of appreciation, Ichie Lucky praised Eze Justice for providing inclusive leadership. “A true leader thinks of the wellbeing of his people. What Eze Justice has started is a bold step towards uniting the entire Igbo community here,” he said.
Leaders of the two parallel Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo groups in the LCDA separately pledged loyalty to the office of the Igwe of Apapa-Iganmu. One of them, Mazi Richard Eze, regretted the fragmentation among Igbo groups, while the other, Hon. Chukwuemeka Peter, described the festival as the first genuine moment of shared togetherness in many years. He appealed to the two Ezes to sustain the new spirit of cooperation.
Veteran Ohanaeze member, Chief Stella Princess, who disclosed she had served the association for more than 25 years, also called for unity and commended the efforts of the two Ezes. She pledged support for future cultural events, promising a much larger turnout next year.
Dignitaries in attendance included the General Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Commander Jack Ojieh, and his deputies.
The festival featured traditional dances in honour of the Ezes, presentation of palm wine by Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, the ritual cutting of the new yam, and a communal feast of roasted yam and yam broth and other traditional delicacies served to guests.
