March 24 Set for Grand Return of Yeye’s Sacred Amatelemor Festival
By Jasmine Binebai
The culturally rich Yeye Community in Burutu Local Government Area is bracing for a historic spiritual and cultural awakening as the ancient Amatelemor Festival officially kicks off on March 24, 2026.
With palpable excitement building across the riverine community, traditional authorities have confirmed that the revered festival will run through March 25, culminating in a colourful grand finale that promises a blend of sacred rites and vibrant festivities.
The announcement was jointly made by the Chief Priest of the Adomo deity, Prince Onaro, alongside the Yeye Kurobou Kareowei, Chief Joel Apolus, who described the festival as a timeless heritage deeply woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of the people.
According to the custodians, the Amatelemor Festival is far more than a celebration—it is a sacred season of divine encounter, where the Adomo deity is invoked to bestow blessings of prosperity, protection, and purity upon the land and its people.
Prince Onaro noted that the commencement date marks the beginning of solemn traditional rites aimed at cleansing the community and renewing ancestral covenants. He emphasized that the deity remains central to the identity of the Yeye people, serving as a spiritual guardian across generations.
“This is a sacred moment for us. The festival reconnects us with our roots and invites divine grace into our lives. It is a time of spiritual renewal and collective hope,” he said.
On his part, Chief Joel Apolus highlighted the unifying essence of the festival, noting that it draws together sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation, traditional worshippers, and cultural enthusiasts from far and near.
“The Amatelemor Festival is our pride. It strengthens our unity, preserves our heritage, and showcases the richness of our tradition to the world. Everyone is invited to be part of this unique experience,” he stated.
Activities lined up for the two-day celebration include sacred rituals, traditional dances, masquerade outings, and communal gatherings that reflect the enduring legacy of the people. The festival will reach its peak on the night of March 25, when guests and dignitaries will be treated to electrifying performances.
Top on the bill is celebrated Ijaw music icon, Chief Kingsley Takemebo, widely known as “Mienkuro,” whose performance is expected to add rhythm and glamour to the grand finale.
Beyond the festivities, the Amatelemor Festival holds profound spiritual significance. It is traditionally believed to cleanse the land of negativity, ward off evil influences, and usher in a season of favour, abundance, and peace for all participants.
As the countdown begins, Yeye Community stands poised to once again reaffirm its cultural identity, inviting the world to witness a festival where tradition meets spirituality in its purest form.
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