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The Etche Ethnic Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs has announced the suspension of traditional festivals, chieftaincy coronations and installation ceremonies across Etcheland following the death of the community’s revered traditional ruler and patriarch, Ochie ENB Opurum.
The announcement was contained in a statement dated September 16, 2026, signed by HRH Eze Dr Ken O. Nwala, Ugo 1 of Etcheland and Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo Umuselem, on behalf of the Etche Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
The council described the death of Ochie Opurum as the beginning of a “transfiguration and transformational journey” for the revered monarch, while calling on Etche people to honour his memory and observe the period in accordance with the customs and traditions of the land.
Nwala described the late monarch as a great patriarch, legend and father of modern Rivers State, as well as a father of kings and an enduring father of Etcheland.
According to the proclamation, all traditional and cultural festivals and ceremonies, including wrestling and New Yam festivals, are suspended until the next season.
The council also suspended all chieftaincy coronations and installation ceremonies until the end of the mourning and transition period.
It further directed that flags across Etcheland should fly at half-mast throughout the period.
The statement said the traditional market days of Eke, Nkwo, Afor and Orie would observe customary rites to Ochie every market day for 90 market days.
The council urged all Etche citizens and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and orderly and to respect the customs and traditions of the community during and after the period.
It also charged the six clan heads of Etcheland and their chiefs to continue upholding the principles of justice, equity and fairness in pursuit of unity, peace and love in the community.
Nwala called on Etche sons and daughters to honour the late monarch and celebrate his contributions to the people as they mourn his passing and observe the traditional rites associated with his transition.
He prayed that the late Ochie Opurum would continue to guide the people and that his legacy of justice, peace and unity would endure.
