New Yam Festival: Why Eziowelle Indigenes Don’t Kill, Consume Python – Monarch

By Praise Chinecherem

The ancient traditions of Idemili were once again brought to life at the 2025 Iwaji (new yam festival) of Eziowelle community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Owelle of Eziowelle, Igwe Mike Ugoji Okonkwo Etusi not only celebrated with his people but also offered rare insights into the spiritual significance of the event and the cultural beliefs that underpin it.

One of the most striking aspects of the monarch’s message in an interview with our Correspondent was his explanation of why the python, an animal often feared or reviled elsewhere, is never killed or eaten in Idemili land.

Describing python as a sacred deity, the monarch said the animal is not just a reptile to the people of Idemili but a revered spiritual entity closely tied to their identity and cosmology.

“Python is like a deity the people of Idemili hold in deep reverence. It owns the river and dwells in it. No true native kills or eats python; that is the practice handed down to us.

“Even strangers are forbidden from doing so in our presence. In the past, any native who mistakenly killed a python had to perform elaborate burial rites for it, just as would be done for a human being, complete with mourning, sacrifices, and rituals of atonement.

“For non-natives, killing a python was tantamount to causing serious trouble,” he emphasized, underscoring the weight the people attach to the tradition.

The monarch recalled that the only time this sacred observance was set aside was during the Nigerian civil war, when hunger and desperation led soldiers to disregard the taboo.

“Even then, the cultural fabric of the Idemili people remained unbroken. That, however, did not erase our cultural practice, and even the spread of Christianity has not altered it,” he noted with pride.

Beyond spirituality, Igwe Etusi, so much loved by his subjects, used the occasion to highlight the inclusive nature of Eziowelle community.

He disclosed that non-indigenes who live peacefully and contribute positively are embraced fully, with opportunities to be conferred with chieftaincy titles or elected into leadership positions.

“Our community does not discriminate. What we value is character and respect for our customs,” he said.

Balancing tradition and modernity
Addressing the influence of modernity and Western culture, the Igwe maintained that while civilization has its place, authentic traditions remain the backbone of Igbo identity.

“Our customs existed before the colonial masters brought their religion and way of life. Not all traditions are bad. What matters is to discard the harmful ones and preserve those that promote our heritage,” he explained.

He lamented the erosion of discipline and respect among the youth, pointing to the prevalence of indecent dressing and a decline in reverence for traditional authority.

“No place in Igboland accepts indecent dressing. Unfortunately, leadership is no longer respected the way it was in the past,” he said.

This year’s Iwaji was described by the monarch as a resounding success, drawing indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

“Iwaji is celebrated all over Igboland to thank God for life, good harvest, and blessings. The Igwe sets the pace, and afterward, families and villages hold theirs. It is not compulsory for those abroad to return, but many came home this year out of love for Eziowelle,” he said.

He, however, frowned at the trend of Igbo people abroad adopting the title of “Eze Ndigbo” outside the homeland, describing it as improper and disrespectful to established traditional institutions.

Ancestral beliefs and reincarnation
Going deeper into cultural philosophy, Igwe Etusi traced the origins of Iwaji to the ancient Alomuo festival, which was a period for remembering and communing with ancestors.

“We believe the dead are alive in spirit. They don’t come back because they are at peace. Reincarnation, in our tradition, is understood through procreation, when a child resembles a parent in features and character. A male reincarnates as male, and female as female,” he explained.

Thirty three decades of reign
Looking back on his 33 years on the throne, Igwe Etusi reflected on the system of rotational kingship among the five major villages of Eziowelle, which he credited with fostering unity and peace.

“I am happy as Igwe. The community is progressing because there is unity and understanding between the throne and the subjects. Leadership is not easy, but peace makes it worthwhile,” he said.

On the intersection of faith and culture, the monarch dismissed the notion that tradition is synonymous with idolatry.

“Anyone who claims he goes to church but abandons everything traditional is not sincere. Tradition does not mean idol worship. An Igwe must do the right thing, obey the law, and uphold good customs. That is the only way to earn respect and ensure peace in the community,” he concluded.

The festival, marked with pomp, pageantry, and displays of rich cultural heritage, once again reinforced the enduring place of tradition in the identity of the Eziowelle people

It also reminded all present that while modern influences may shape lifestyles, certain customs such as observance of the new yam festival remains untouchable symbols of collective identity.