Igbodo 2026 Traditional Annual Activities
IGBODO 2026
A celebration of Igbodo’s rich cultural heritage, traditional institutions, community unity and customs passed down through generations.
About Igbodo 2026
Igbodo 2026 brings together the people of Igbodo Kingdom for a season of traditional annual activities, cultural celebrations, festivals, community gatherings and ceremonies that celebrate the rich heritage, history and traditions of Igbodo.
The 2026 traditional calendar features a series of important activities beginning with the Igue (Ubilo) Festival in March and continuing through August and September, culminating in the IWAJI (New Yam Festival) and HRM IWAJI Day at the Palace.
The activities bring together the traditional institutions, villages, elders, families and the entire Igbodo community in celebration of culture, heritage, unity and communal identity.
Chief Host
HRM Obi (Barr.) Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume I
Ikuku-Oma of Igbodo Kingdom
2026 Traditional Activities & Festival Schedule
| Activity | Date | Day | Custodian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igue (Ubil) Festival | March 25, 2026 | Eke / Wednesday | HRM |
| Ilo-Nze | August 12, 2026 | Eke / Wednesday | HRM |
| Ilo-Ani Uzor-Ugbo | August 13, 2026 | Orie / Thursday | HRM |
| Ilo-Ani Uzor-Ugbo | August 15, 2026 | Nkwo / Saturday | Ogene of Each Village |
| Ilo-Chi | August 19, 2026 | Nkwo / Wednesday | HRM |
| Ilo-Chi | August 23, 2026 | Nkwo / Sunday | Ikpala |
| Ilo-Chi | August 27, 2026 | Nkwo / Thursday | Ikolo / Ndi Che |
| Iba-Nzu | September 1, 2026 | Eke / Tuesday | Ikpala |
| Iba-Okpukpu | September 2, 2026 | Orie / Wednesday | Ikpala |
| Ima-Osisi | September 3, 2026 | Afo / Thursday | Ikpala |
|
Ogbanigbe Uchi-Uchi Night Dance / Vigil |
September 4, 2026 | Nkwo / Friday | Entire Igbodo Community |
|
Ogbanigbe Day Time |
September 5, 2026 | Eke / Saturday | Entire Igbodo Community |
| Ine-Ndi Egwu | September 6, 2026 | Orie / Sunday | Ndi-Oli-Nze (Traditional Chiefs) |
| Igba-Abu | September 7, 2026 | Afo / Monday | Ikpala |
| IWAJI – New Yam Festival | September 11, 2026 | Afo / Friday | Entire Igbodo Community |
|
HRM IWAJI Day
New Yam Festival at the Palace |
September 19, 2026 | Afo / Saturday | New Yam Festival at the Palace |
Preparation for Ogbanigbe
Preparations for Ogbanigbe begin with Ilo-Nze on August 12, 2026, leading into the major Ogbanigbe activities in September.
IWAJI – New Yam Festival
IWAJI (New Yam Festival) is one of the major highlights of the Igbodo traditional calendar. The celebration provides an opportunity for the Igbodo community to celebrate its agricultural heritage, culture, traditions and communal identity.
The celebration is followed by HRM IWAJI Day at the Palace, bringing the community together in honour of tradition, culture and the heritage of Igbodo Kingdom.
The Origins of Igbodo Kingdom
The traditional history of Igbodo Kingdom is represented through the Elders-in-Council, with the following traditional origins:
- Diokpa Sunday Chigbogwu — Ogene of Anikpokwu
- Diokpa Godwin Offor — Ogene of Idumu-Obior
- Diokpa Emmanuel Obioji Chiemeke — Ogene of Idumu-Ozei
- Diokpa Clement Obi — Ogene of Aniyeme
- Diokpa Kennedy Mordi — Ogene of Ilabor
- Diokpa Alexander Nwokolo — Ogene of Ndobu
Abu-Anor
Abu-Anor is identified as the Central Meeting Place of Igbodo Founding Ancestors, reflecting the historical and traditional significance of the location within Igbodo heritage.
HRM. (Late) Obi Echezona Morka Iyeke I
The First Obi of Igbodo
Celebrate Igbodo. Preserve the Heritage.
Igbodo 2026 is a celebration of heritage, tradition, unity and community, bringing together the people of Igbodo to preserve and showcase the customs, ceremonies and cultural values of the Kingdom.