By Ambrose Ologide
The popular Owhurie Festival of the ancient Urhobo Kingdom of Agbarha Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has been fixed for Thursday 7th September, 2023.
The date was fixed by the Olowu ( Chief Priest ) of Owhurie Deity , High Chief Collins Oyibo at the Deity’s Shrine located at the legendary forest in the heart of Warri , along Warri / Sapele Road ,Otovwodo (Agbassa) Community on Sunday 6th August, 2023.
This triggered off jubilation by indigenes who danced through Warri / Sapele Road to the neighbouring Agbarha Warri community of Igbudu and back to Otovwodo (Agbassa ) Community, the tradititioal headquarters of the kingdom with a key disciple of Owhurie Deity High Chief Julius Edafiadjebre JP leading
The festival popular known as Agbassa Juju is celebrated bieannally ( every 2 years ) by the 7 Agbarha Warri communities of Otovwodo (Agbassa), Ogunu, Igbudu, Edjeba, Okurode ( Ekurede Urhobo) , Ukpokiti and Oteghele.
However the grandfinale is celebrated at Otovwodo ( Agbassa) Community .
Edafiadjebre ( JP ) who doubles as the Unuovwodo ( tradititioal representative of the Ovie of Agbarha Warri ) of Otovwodo (Agbassa) Community spoke exclusively to our correspondent in a media chat as he stated that Agbassa Juju was as old as the history of Warri and that it was the symbol of unity among Agbarha Warri people.
” It is watched by top government officials , religious leaders , our neighbours and people from far and near .
” It was featured in Googe Africa several times.
” It is so popular that it was featured in WEAEC fine arts question paper in the 70s ” he added.
