EXCLUSIVE: Yeye Shines as Amatelemor Festival Ends in Spiritual Glory, Onaro Hailed as Divine Custodian
…Adomor Has Spoken Through Peace and Prosperity
By The Liberator Newspapers
In what observers have described as one of the most spiritually electrifying and culturally significant gatherings in recent times, the ancient Amatelemor Festival of Yeye Community in Burutu Local Government Area concluded in grand style on March 25, 2026, with a powerful display of tradition, unity, and divine reverence.
The festival, which began on March 24, drew an unprecedented influx of dignitaries, traditional rulers, political actors, and cultural enthusiasts, all of whom thronged the riverine community to witness the sacred rites and festivities dedicated to the revered Adomor deity.
The Liberator Newspaper, on ground throughout the two-day event, observed that the 2026 edition stood out not only for its organisation but also for the overwhelming spiritual atmosphere that defined both the opening and grand finale.
The high point of the celebration was the majestic and spiritually charged outing of the Adomor masquerade during the grand finale on March 25th both in the daytime and at night. The masquerade, regarded as the physical manifestation of the Adomor deity, commanded total reverence as it moved through the community in sacred rhythm, surrounded by chants, drumming, and traditional rites.
Its presence, according to devotees, symbolised divine visitation, bringing blessings, protection, and the cleansing of the land.
Speaking exclusively to The Liberator Newspaper, the Chief Priest of the Adomor deity, Chief Prince Onaro, expressed deep satisfaction over the success of the festival, attributing it to divine approval and the unwavering faith of the people.
“What has happened here is beyond human celebration, it is spiritual confirmation. The Adomor deity has accepted our sacrifices and has released blessings upon this land. You can see the peace, the unity, and the massive turnout. This is a sign that our people are aligned with the divine,” he declared.
Chief Onaro, who was widely praised by worshippers and stakeholders throughout the festival, was described as a steadfast and devoted custodian of tradition whose leadership continues to preserve the sanctity of the Amatelemor Festival.
“Our High Priest has remained committed to the ways of our ancestors. Through him, the Adomor deity speaks and guides us. This successful outing is a testament to his spiritual strength and dedication,” a senior worshipper told The Liberator Newspaper.
Another devotee, visibly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the masquerade’s outing, noted:
“When the Adomor masquerade appeared, you could feel the presence of something greater than us. This is not just culture; this is our life, our protection, and our future.”
Throughout the day, cultural troupes and age-grade groups thrilled guests with colourful displays, while elders performed sacred rites believed to cleanse the land and ward off evil forces.
As night fell, the festival transformed into a vibrant celebration of music and unity. The atmosphere was electrified by the performance of renowned Ijaw music icon, Chief Kingsley Takemebo, popularly known as “Mienkuro,” whose energetic delivery kept dignitaries and guests dancing into the late hours.
Dignitaries present at the event commended the leadership of Yeye Community and the organisers for sustaining such a rich cultural heritage, noting that the Amatelemor Festival is fast becoming a major cultural reference point in the Niger Delta.
In its observation, The Liberator Newspaper noted that beyond the glamour and festivities, the festival reinforced the deep spiritual consciousness of the people and their enduring connection to ancestral traditions.
As the curtains fall on the 2026 edition, there is a shared belief among residents and visitors alike that the blessings of the Adomor deity invoked through the sacred rites and the symbolic outing of the masquerade will usher in a new season of peace, prosperity, and protection for Yeye Community and the entire Ijaw nation.
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