Significant of Yam in ‘Ochori’ Festival in Eganyi –
Ajaokta Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Ebira farmers are excellence in Yam farming, mostly done through non-mechanized (manual) farming in the South Western part of Nigeria, like Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and beyond. The yam farming has become a reputable and renowned throughout Ebiraland as primary occupation that once provided employment for well over 95 percent of the adult population in the area.
The above is our legend as related in Eganyi. In general, the origin of Yam is traced to wild species found in the bush. Through the generations, they have been collected, and by cultivation, improved until they are as we have them today. The most common explanation of its presence is that yam was introduced by the Portuguese to Nigeria during the trading days.
Yam in the past and during my younger days, was the favourite food of Ebira people. It stands as potato does to the typical Irishman. A shortage of yam supply is a case of genuine distress. For no substitute gives the same sense of satisfaction. This preference for yam and the time and labour necessary for its production are some reasons why yam is a very important for Ebira food. Unfortunately, conditions have changed in recent years and the more sophisticated people are not as entirely dependent upon it as their father did.
There are many varieties of Yam tubers; they differ in size, appearance and flavor. The soil does not suit the growing of all varieties.
‘Ochori’ festival, as our major topic, is observed as a public function on certain appointed days of the year, always in the first or second weeks of July, is a day to remember in the history of the people of Eganyi in Ajaokuta local Government Area of Kogi State. It is a day earmarked for the celebration of the popular ‘Ochori’ festival where feast of new yam will be celebrated.
‘Ochori’ is an ancient festival among the people of Eganyi, a day that would draw folks, sons and daughters of the town both resident at home or in Diaspora, who would join the paramount rulers of the town, who also doubled as the custodian of the Ochori, the Adogu of Eganyi, and the Ohi of Eganyi, and families of maidens to celebrate the festival.
Interestingly, once it was morning, the streets of Eganyi, from Uruvusechi town down to Adogo axis, more of a fresh mood is observed. The events for the day started early in the morning at the palace of Adogu of Eganyi and Ohi of Eganyi. The palaces of both the paramount chiefs, wore a new look for the festival. The Chiefs, whose clans were among the custodian clan of the Ochori feast dressed in their full regalia, sat on their decorated stools, surrounded by low-class chiefs (onobas), ‘dogeris’ {palace attendants} and well-wishers, receiving visitors with gift of kolanut and pounded yam decorated with egusi soup and dry fish to compliment. To make the celebration more colourful, visitors were being entertained by groups of women singers and youths, who pay homage to the chiefs and pledge continued loyalty to the chiefs.
The feast, Ochori, is observed at a sacred spot. It is the feast of new yam; the breaking of the yam, harvest is followed by thanksgiving. An offering is offered and the people pray for renewed life as they eat the new yam. An offering is make for the spirits of the hill call ‘ori’; the ‘ori-ototo’; ‘ori-oyamihoko’ and ‘ori-ajoko’, with special reference to the presiding deity. The sacrificial offering to ‘ori’ may consist of he-goat, kolanut and 20 littres of palm oil.
‘Ochori’ yam festival was celebrated this year on the 16th July, 2022, with the usual fun fare; personalities from afar and near, also in attendance are captain of industries, political stalwarts, distinguished pressmen and women, to witness the epoch and memorable occasion.
In ceremony proper, blessing is sought from the deities, ori, and the petitioner appeals as follows: “we sacrifice this he-goat, kolanut and palm oil, if ‘ori’ accept the sacrifice, the group, even before returning from the hill to the to the town, they will be reciprocated by ‘ori’, with heavy down-pour of rain, but where otherwise, scarcity of rain will be observed throughout the period and it may affect the usual pumper harvest of farm produce.
In Eganyi clannish combination, about twenty-six clans comprises the inhabitant of the community, but only three clans of Ezi-ogu, Ezi-eheda, Ezi-azu, have the spiritual rite of synchronizing and fore-sacrificing the oracle ‘ori’ during the ochori festival; the appeasing and sacrificial rite of the shrine is simultaneously rotated by the three clans.
As the code of law that operates, the three clans, Ezi-ogu, Ezi-eheda and Ezi-azu, abhor from tampering with the new yam until the festival is over. Infringement against the law led to serious consequences. It may lead to unacceptable of sacrifice by the shrine, ori, which may result to rain scarcity and low bumper harvest in the subsequent year.
From immemorial, the beauty of ‘ochori’, yam festival do attract the coming home of indigenes, an opportunity also to meet with old friends and establish new ones alike.
By: Idris Itopa Isah
Arewa Trust Newspaper, Abuja.
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