Ancient Amatelemor Festival of Yeye Community to Begin March 24, 2026
…As Community Warms up for blessings of Adomor Deity
By The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide
The serene riverine settlement of Yeye Community in Burutu Local Government Area is set to come alive with rich cultural expressions, spiritual rites, and communal festivities as preparations reach top gear for the ancient Amatelemor Festival scheduled to commence March 24, 2026.
The announcement was formally made by the duo of Chief Priest, Prince Onaro, and the Yeye Kurobou Kareowei, Chief Joel Apolus, on behalf of the festival’s organizing council. In a statement made available to The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide, the traditional leaders disclosed that the revered festival will span two days, beginning on March 24 and culminating in a grand finale on March 25, 2026.
According to the statement, the Amatelemor Festival remains one of the most significant cultural and spiritual events in the history of the Yeye people, deeply rooted in the worship and reverence of the Adomor deity—an ancient spiritual symbol believed to embody purity, protection, and prosperity.
Prince Onaro, who serves as the chief custodian of the Adomor deity, emphasized that the festival is not merely ceremonial but a sacred convergence of ancestral heritage and divine invocation. He explained that the rites performed during the festival are intended to cleanse the land, renew spiritual bonds, and invoke blessings upon the people.
“The Adomor deity represents the moral and spiritual compass of our people. Through this festival, we seek divine favor, protection from adversities, and prosperity for every son and daughter of Yeye Community,” he stated.
Chief Joel Apolus, on his part, described the festival as a unifying force that brings together indigenes, traditionalists, and well-wishers from across the Ijaw nation and beyond. He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, the Amatelemor Festival also serves as a platform for cultural preservation and intergenerational bonding.
“This is a time when our people reconnect with their roots. It is a celebration of identity, heritage, and communal strength. We are calling on all sons and daughters of Ijaw land, as well as lovers of culture, to be part of this historic event,” Apolus added.
The grand finale on March 25 is expected to be marked by elaborate festivities, including traditional dances, masquerade displays, and musical performances. A major highlight of the closing night will be a live performance by renowned Ijaw music maestro, Chief Kingsley Takemebo, popularly known as “Mienkuro,” who is billed to entertain dignitaries and guests with captivating indigenous rhythms.
Community sources further revealed that elaborate security and logistics arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. Visitors are expected from neighboring communities, cultural groups, and tourism enthusiasts eager to witness the uniqueness of the Amatelemor Festival.
Historically, the festival is believed to predate modern community structures, passed down through generations as a sacred tradition. It symbolizes not only spiritual renewal but also serves as a cultural shield believed to ward off evil forces, attract goodwill, and guarantee a bountiful season for the people.
As anticipation builds, the people of Yeye Community remain optimistic that this year’s Amatelemor Festival will usher in renewed blessings, strengthen unity, and further project the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw nation to the wider world.
