AEISCID Warns Against Politicizing Ezza New Yam Festival

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural Diaspora (AEISCID), led by Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, warned against the politicization of the annual Okeaku new yam festival of the Ezza Ezekuna people. In a statement issued on Saturday, the group expressed concern over the departure from customary processes for the celebration, which is set to mark the beginning of the new calendar year for the Ezza nation on June 30, 2026.

They identified that the event was being organized without the guidance and approval of recognized traditional custodians of Ezza culture. The AEISCID emphasized that cultural festivals should remain free from political influence and called on stakeholders to uphold traditional values to ensure unity among the Ezza people.

They urged the community, both at home and in the diaspora, to protect their cultural heritage and avoid actions that could lead to division. The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the cultural values of the Ezza nation and called for calm and unity among the people.