KINGSLEY EBERE
All is set for the New Yam festival in Lagos State as Eze Ji (king of yam) in the state, Eze Chinedu Offor, (Ikenga Gburugburu) is set to celebrate 2025 New Yam festival on 23rd November, 2025.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the epoch making event will be held at the Palace located at Church Street, Opposite P&S, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ejike Okezie, Ogbuehi Mimri Di Iche Na Okija town, Anambra State.
The Special Guest of Honour is the Ezendigbo Gburugburu Worldwide, Eze Prosper Chukwaka, who is expected to grace the occasion with his respected cabinet Chiefs.
Other guests of honour and royal fathers include the Chairman of Council of Ndieze in Lagos State, Eze Dr Chika Nwokedi, (Okpoko one of Obodoukwu town in Imo State), Ezendigbo in Mushin kingdom, Eze Dr John Nwosu, Eze Lawrence Monday, Eze Tony Greg Anosike, Eze Okpaga and many others traditional leaders from various Local Council areas in Lagos State.
Other dignataries expected to honour the event with their presence include friends, family members and wellwishers including business partners of Eze Ikenga Gburugburu, captains of industry and market men and women.
Speaking about the event, Eze Offor confirmed that he is the last Eze that will celebrate New Yam festival in Lagos State as the Eze ji in Lagos State to mark the end of the yearly festival.
He explained that once he celebrates the new yam festival, no other Igbo person is allowed celebrate the festival in line with Igbo tradition and culture.
Eze Ji stated that the title was given to him by both Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, signifying that he is the custodian of new yam festival in Lagos State.
He explained that himself and his household can never eat yam until he performs the yearly rituals and any year he did not celebrate it, he will not taste or eat yam that year and it will not be brought to the family.
During the celebration, there will be display of various Igbo traditional dances and masquerades to entertain the guests. People are expected to attend the event from within and outside Lagos State.