By Odita Sunday
Issele-Uku, Delta State, the cultural heartbeat of Anioma land came alive on Thursday as the Ezinne of Oligbo Kingdom, Chief (Barr.) Josephine Kachikwu, joined indigenes and guests at the royal palace in Issele-Uku to witness the traditional Ine Aho wrestling contest.
The historic event, which forms part of the annual Ine cultural festival, attracted a large gathering of traditional leaders, community stakeholders, women, youths, and visitors who thronged the palace arena to celebrate the cherished heritage of the people.
Chief Kachikwu, a respected legal practitioner, politician, philanthropist and community leader, expressed delight at the vibrancy of Anioma’s cultural practices.
She commended the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agbogidi Obi Nduka, for his steadfast commitment to preserving and projecting the customs and values of the Oligbo people.
According to her, the Ine Aho wrestling contest is more than a spectacle of strength, but a display of discipline, courage, and communal unity. She called on the younger generation to take pride in their roots and ensure the sustainability of indigenous traditions in a rapidly changing world.
The wrestling contest, which featured bouts between young men from various villages of the kingdom, was marked by drumming, singing, and colorful cultural displays. Winners were celebrated with cheers from the crowd, while elders offered blessings and words of encouragement.
Community leaders present at the palace lauded Chief Kachikwu’s presence, describing her as a worthy daughter of Anioma land whose commitment to cultural promotion and community development continues to inspire many.
The Ine Aho remains one of the high points of Issele-Uku’s cultural calendar, reaffirming the unity, history, and identity of the Oligbo Kingdom.