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| A representation of the Buffalo displayed in dances |
Odi Ogori Ba Uge is the biggest festival celebrated by Odi people of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Every year on July 27th, the community rolls out its drums for dances; its boats for regattas, and showcases several pageants to spice the festivities.
Every year on July 27th, the community rolls out its drums for dances; its boats for regattas, and showcases several pageants to spice the festivities.
The festival is held to mark the victory over a mysterious buffalo (Ogori), which kept the community under a siege of attacks for five years. It was recorded that during this period no fewer than five persons were killed by the buffalo.
A solution to the problem was sought by one of the indigenes, Chief Nengi Thomson Agedah, who reportedly went on a journey to get help from a certain Mallam of Tara.
History books of Gesiye Larry, ‘ Historical Foundations of Odi Ogori Ba Uge’, and Dennis Agedah’s ‘Odi Ogori Ba Uge: The true Story’, have it that the Mallam of Tara proffered the solution that enabled the community to kill the strange attacker.
The festival may have come and gone, but Odi indigenes keep its memories alive every day!
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| Groups of celebrants in their costume |
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I have heard about this festival, but never knew that it was this colourful. Thanks Debby for articles such as this, it helps Nigerians to know about one another's cultures and festivals.