Amaseikumor Festival Showcases Rich Gbaramatu Culture to Global Audience With the Ooni of Ife, other Dignitaries Attending
GBARAMATU/Nigeria: In a dazzling display of culture and tradition, the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State illuminated the world stage with the vibrant celebration of the Amaseikumor Festival on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.
Hosted by the revered monarch of the Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II (Aketekpe-Agadagba), and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, the festival attracted dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The event, held in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, witnessed a convergence of notable personalities from across Delta State and beyond. Among them were top government officials such as the Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Sen. Heineken Lokpobri, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Chief Festus Keyamo SAN.
Also in attendance were Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing the people of Delta South Senatorial District, and the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata (Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR).
Prominent monarchs and captains of industry, including Chief Tunde Smooth, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, and that of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, graced the occasion, adding to the grandeur of the festival.
The highlight of the event was the warm exchange of pleasantries between the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Ooni of Ife, who is also the Co-Chairman of the Traditional Council of Nigeria. The atmosphere was further electrified as Tompolo danced into the venue with masquerades and traditional worshippers of Egbesu, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Gbaramatu people.
Security was paramount throughout the festival, with Oporoza Community and its environs fully secured by operatives of TANTITA Security Services Limited and the Nigerian Security, ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all attendees.
Meanwhile, the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria has pledged its support for the revival and celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Speaking at the festival, Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi, Member of the Federal House of Reps representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s diverse cultural tapestry, stating, “Our culture is dying, and it’s time for us to revive it.”
Members of the House of Representatives present at the festival echoed this sentiment, affirming their commitment to supporting cultural celebrations across the country. They praised High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, for his dedication to ensuring that the Amaseikumor Festival is celebrated annually and expressed their readiness to participate in such events in the future.
The Amaseikumor Festival not only showcased the rich culture of the Gbaramatu people but also underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage on a global scale.
