Columns
Abadezongo Festival: The Sacred Renaissance of Odimodi
As the descendants of the Odifa lineage of Otolor-Kokioko prepare to hoist the revered festival flag, a celestial alignment unfolds, awakening the spirits of their ancestors. The Abadezongo Festival, a legendary celebration, breathes life into the land and waters of Odimodi, marking a time of profound energy and unity.
According to tradition, “the mystical energies of Iduwini will be unleashed tomorrow,” as the river and forest gods, summoned by ancestral decree, bless Eluwe Ada. This sacred venue, described as “the hallowed and ancestral conference ground of Odimodi,” will serve as the heart of the festival’s spiritual and cultural activities.
At dawn, the resonant sound of the Abadezongo drums will echo across the forests and rivers, connecting the people to their roots. “The drums call upon the people to gather at the sacred shores,” where the presence of their ancestors will be palpable. From the misty embrace of the early morning, vibrant masquerades will emerge, “their colourful plumage shimmering with a spiritual luminescence,” captivating onlookers with their traditional dances and symbolic movements.
As the celebrations intensify, Odimodi’s waters will come alive, “churning and foaming” as mythical aquatic beings join the festivities. The people, filled with joy and gratitude, will sing and dance, their melodies soaring on the wind as an offering to the gods and their forebears. Their voices, united in harmony, form “a symphony of joy and gratitude,” invoking blessings and protection from the divine realm.
The Abadezongo Festival will transform Odimodi into “a realm of spiritual and artistic wonder,” creating an atmosphere of awe and enchantment. Visitors are invited to witness this extraordinary event, immerse themselves in the divine energies, and participate in this unique celebration of life, heritage, and the eternal bond between humanity and the divine.
This is more than a festival—it is a sacred convergence of tradition, spirituality, and community, offering all who attend a chance to connect with the profound cultural legacy of Iduwini.
Prof. Benedict Binebai
(Igumugumu)
Guest Columnist
By Ben Binebai
Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, is a luminary, a shining star born of the sacred soil of our land, imbued with the essence of the gods. His unwavering patriotism and unshakeable nationalism are the bedrock upon which his character is forged, a testament to his unrelenting commitment to the well-being of his nation. His kindness knows no bounds, a boundless benevolence that transcends borders and touches the lives of all who cross his path. A stalwart defender of the downtrodden and a champion of the poor, his life is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for generations to come.
His peace is the balm the world craves, a soothing solace that calms the turbulent waters of humanity’s soul. Amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, he remains steadfast in his loyalty to friends, never forgetting those who stood by him in times of need. His is a rare breed, a leader of unimpeachable character, whose ideas humanise humanity and elevate the human spirit.
Today, driven by an unyielding passion for his nation, Tompolo toils tirelessly to surmount the economic challenges that beset our beloved Nigeria. Through Tantita Security Services Limited, the esteemed security company he established, Tompolo has created an economic juggernaut that propels Nigeria’s prosperity. This mighty engine of growth not only safeguards the nation’s oil interests but also contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, illuminating the path to a brighter economic future.
Let no petty sentiments or jealousies impede his progress, for he is a giant among men, a colossus who bestrides the landscape of our nation’s history. His Ijaw heritage is but a mere facet of his greatness, a badge of honour that adds to the richness of his legacy. Let us celebrate his triumphs, and allow his vision for a prosperous Nigeria to flourish, unencumbered by the petty machinations of envy and parochialism.
As Tompolo’s efforts continue to bear fruit, Nigeria’s economic landscape is transformed, and the nation’s people reap the benefits of his tireless endeavors. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history, a shining testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress.
By Benedict Binebai
Manipulative history often distorts the truth by presenting a biased interpretation of events, omitting key facts, and misrepresenting evidence to fit a specific narrative or ideology. This can be achieved through propaganda, simplification, or stereotyping, which can be used to influence opinions or beliefs.The Itsekiri history of Warri justifies the subheadings of manipulative history in the following ways:
Biased Interpretation
The Itsekiri narrative often portrays themselves as the sole founders and owners of Warri, downplaying the roles and contributions of other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This selective presentation of facts supports a predetermined narrative of Itsekiri dominance and ownership.
Omission of Key Facts
The Itsekiri narrative often omits or glosses over the historical conflicts and power struggles between the Itsekiri and other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This omission of key facts creates an incomplete and inaccurate picture of Warri’s history.
Distortion of Evidence
The Itsekiri narrative often misrepresents or manipulates historical evidence to support their claims to dominance and ownership. For example, they may emphasize their historical relationships with European colonizers to justify their perceived superiority over other communities.
Propaganda
The narrative often uses emotive language and loaded terminology to influence readers’ opinions or beliefs. For example, they use terms like “founding fathers” or “traditional owners” to emphasize their perceived historical rights and privileges.
Simplification or Stereotyping
The Itsekiri narrative often oversimplifies the complex historical relationships between the Itsekiri and other communities, portraying themselves as the sole beneficiaries of Western education, Christianity, and modernization. This oversimplification perpetuates negative stereotypes about other communities and reinforces Itsekiri exceptionalism.
Lack of Transparency
The Itsekiri narrative often lacks transparency regarding its sources, methods, and potential biases. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the historical narrative critically and identify potential manipulations or distortions.
Emotional Manipulation
The Itsekiri narrative often uses emotive appeals or sensationalism to elicit a specific response or reaction from readers. For example, they may emphasize their historical cultural heritage or traditional practices to evoke a sense of nostalgia or pride, while downplaying the cultural heritage and traditions of other communities.
By examining the Itsekiri history of Warri through these subheadings, it becomes clear that the narrative exhibits characteristics of manipulative history, which can be used to justify a particular agenda or ideology.
Consequences of Manipulative History
Manipulative history can have far-reaching consequences, including the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes, justification of oppression or dominance, and erosion of trust in historical narratives and institutions. By distorting the past, manipulative history can create a false narrative that supports a particular agenda or ideology, leading to ongoing social and cultural tensions. This can contribute to polarization and conflict, as certain groups may feel marginalized or excluded from the dominant narrative.
The consequences of manipulative history can also be seen in the loss of cultural heritage and the undermining of critical thinking. By erasing or distorting certain narratives or perspectives, manipulative history can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the past. Furthermore, manipulative history can inform poor decision-making and policy development in the present, as inaccurate lessons are drawn from a distorted past. Ultimately, manipulative history can have a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, highlighting the importance of promoting accurate and nuanced historical narratives.
Column – IduwiniVoice
Where falsehood reigns for decades, truth can reign everlastingly. This underscores the enduring power of truth, even in the face of prolonged deception. This notion is particularly pertinent in contexts where misinformation and falsehoods have been deeply ingrained in societal narratives, such as in the case of the “Warri Falsehood” and the “Warri Truth.” Here, the city of Warri in Nigeria serves as a microcosm for the struggle between falsehood and truth, where decades of misrepresentation and distortion can be challenged by the emergence of authentic voices and narratives.
The Warri Falsehood may manifest in various forms, including historical revisionism, cultural appropriation, or the suppression of marginalised voices. For instance, the dominant narratives surrounding Warri’s history and culture may have been shaped by those in positions of power, often to the detriment of the city’s indigenous communities. However, the Warri Truth represents a counter-narrative that seeks to reclaim and reassert the authentic experiences and perspectives of the region’s people. This truth-telling can take many forms, including art, literature, and oral traditions.
The struggle between the Warri Falsehood and the Warri Truth is not merely an academic or intellectual exercise; it has real-world implications for the people of Warri and beyond. When falsehoods are allowed to reign unchecked, they can perpetuate harm, injustice, and inequality. Conversely, the emergence of truth can be a powerful catalyst for healing, reconciliation, and social change. By amplifying the voices and stories of marginalised communities, the Warri Truth can help to create a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the region’s history and culture.
Ultimately, the triumph of truth over falsehood requires a sustained commitment to critical inquiry, cultural preservation, and community engagement. As the people of Warri and other affected communities continue to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own truths, they can create a more just and equitable society. By embracing the complexities and diversity of their experiences, the Warri Truth can reign everlastingly, providing a powerful testament to the enduring power of authenticity and resilience.
Truth is God’s greatest virtue of existence; let us respect and celebrate it.
Igumugumu