Tension is escalating in the Okon Aku community, Ohafia LGA, Abia State, following a ban on the annual Iri-Ji (New Yam) festival of the Okon Aku Traditional Herbs and Roots Practitioners, known as Dibia Okon-Aku, scheduled for September 20.
The herbalists, deeming the ban “unlawful and unconstitutional,” have vowed to resist efforts to halt their celebration, asserting their rights to worship and association.
In a petition to traditional ruler HRH Eze Ndukwe Iko, copied to Governor Alex Otti and security agencies, the practitioners, through their lawyer N.B. Kalu, Esq., demanded the ban’s immediate reversal, citing violations of Sections 38 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
The conflict reportedly stemmed from the exclusion of a member, Chief Uche Ikenga, from the festival, followed by a blanket ban after the group refused to excommunicate him without justification.
The herbalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, also reported prior attempts to disrupt their September 16 festival preparations, including threats of arrest.
The group urged the state government and security agencies to investigate the ban, ensure protection during the festival, and prevent unrest, warning of legal action if harassment persists.
Eze Iko defended the ban, citing security concerns over a 30-day curfew allegedly imposed by the herbalists, which he called oppressive.
He noted that the council of Ezieogos, representing 23 compounds, banned the festival to avoid clashes, referencing near-fatal tensions last year.
“Their activities should remain private, not disrupt the community,” the monarch stated.
As the festival date approaches, the community remains on edge, awaiting intervention to avert potential conflict.
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