SPECIAL CULTURAL NEWS REPORT
Resident Kitchen Restaurant CEO, Noble Anyanwu, Sponsors 2026 Obudi Owu-Okoroshi Festival
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The ancient community of Obudi in Agwa Ancient Kingdom, Oguta, and Imo State at large came alive on Thursday, June 27, 2026, as thousands of sons, daughters, and friends of Agwa gathered to celebrate the opening of the annual Owu-Okoroshi Masquerade Festival, one of the most treasured cultural heritage events in the clan.
The 2026 edition, themed "Owu Oma" (Good Culture), was proudly sponsored by Mr. Noble Odinaka Anyanwu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Resident Kitchen Restaurant (Chop First), a distinguished son of Umumgboji, Obuokwu, regarded as the cradle of the Owu culture in Agwa.
The colourful ceremony attracted the Owu Eze, Ada Owu, revered Owu custodians, Ndi Nze na Ozor, traditional title holders, community leaders, and political stakeholders led by Hon. Goddey Nwabekee, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Oguta State Constituency seat in the 2027 election.
The Owu Festival, which traditionally marks the opening of the cultural season preceding the New Yam Festival, is celebrated from Orie to Afor market days between June and August. At exactly 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2026, the atmosphere in Obudi echoed with ceremonial local gunshots announcing the arrival of the sacred masquerades before the ritual dances commenced at the Owu Square.
The procession featured the symbolic performances of Nwaonwu Ozu (The Forerunner) and Otakpukpu (The Bone Eater). Following the traditional blessings and proclamation by the Eze Owu, Nwaonwu Ozu opened the stage with ritual performances before yielding to Otakpukpu, the festival's chief masquerade and centre of attraction, who thrilled spectators with breathtaking displays.
This year's celebration stood out not only for its cultural splendour but also for the massive turnout of youths, women, children, and elders who filled the streets of Obudi with traditional songs and dances. Many described the gathering as the largest cultural assembly witnessed since peace returned to Agwa following the 2023–2024 clan crisis.
Addressing the gathering, the sponsor, Mr. Noble Anyanwu, expressed gratitude to the Eze Owu, the Obudi community, and Owu custodians across Agwa for preserving the rich heritage. He called on the people to embrace peace, unity, and development through culture. He also thanked his guests from within and outside Agwa for honouring his invitation.
"Every time is not for conflict and crisis. Let our youths shun violence and promote development. Owu culture opens doors to tourism, economic growth, love, and communal unity. As we celebrate 'Owu Oma,' let our actions reflect the values of peace and togetherness."
The celebration was further enlivened with elaborate entertainment, including the ceremonial slaughter of a live cow and goats, cultural processions from Obuokwu through Uzi to Ogbo Afor, energetic dance performances, and music that lasted into the evening.
The 2026 Obudi Owu-Okoroshi Festival once again reaffirmed Agwa's enduring cultural identity, showcasing tradition as a powerful instrument for reconciliation, unity, tourism, and sustainable community development.
