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 Edo states respectively. The yam farming has become a reputable and renowned throughout Ebiraland as primary occupation that once provided employment for well over 95 per cent of the adult population in the area.
The above is our legend as related in Eganyi district. 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 flavour. The soil does not suit the growing of all varieties. “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 and in diaspora, who would join the paramount rulers of the town, who also doubled as the custodian of the “Ochori”, that is, the Adogu of Eganyi, and the Ohi of Eganyi, and families of the maidens to celebrate the festival. Interestingly, once it was morning, the street 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 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, set on their decorated stools, surrounded by low-class chiefs (onobas), ‘dogeris’ (palace guides) and well-wishers, receiving visitors with gift of kolanut and pounded yam decorated with equsi soup and dry fish to compliment. Kegs of palm wine were also provided to entertain the visitors. To make the celebration more colourful, visitors were being entertained by groups of women singers and youths, who pay homage to the paramount chiefs and pledged continue loyalty to the Chiefs. The feast, Ochori, is observed at a sacred spot. It is the feast of the new Yam, the breaking of the Yam, harvest is followed by thanksgiving. An offering is given and the people pray for renewed life as they eat the new Yam. An offering is made for the spirits of the hill, called “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-goal, kolanut and 20 littres of palm oil. 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, to seek your blessing”. If “ori” accept the sacrifice, the group, even before returning from the hill to the town, they will be reciprocated by “ori” with heavy downpour 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 sixteen (16) clans comprises the inhabitant of the community, but only three (3) clans of Ezi-ogu, Ezi-eheda and Ezi-azu, have the spiritual rite of synchronizing and fore-sacrificial rite of the shrine, 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 ochori festival is celebrated and over. Infringements against the law lead 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, yam festivals do attract the coming home of indigenes, an opportunity also to meet with old friends and establish new ones alike. It also attracts the presence of crème de crème personalities of political big wigs, captain of industries, indigents from far and near. The grand ochori festival was celebrated this year on the 16th July, 2023.It is obvious that the joy of my write-up on ochori festival, having come from the area, is to be criticized or commended from good readers. Interestingly, I humbly reserved space for such.