A socio-cultural organisation, the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora, has warned against attempts to politicise the annual Okeaku (New Yam) Festival of the Ezza Ezekuna people, urging stakeholders to uphold the customs and traditions guiding the celebration.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, the association expressed concern over what it described as a deviation from the established process for fixing and celebrating the festival, which it said traditionally marks the beginning of the Ezza calendar year.

The group alleged that a gathering held on June 30, 2026, at the ancestral Okpoku Ezekuna (Nchionu) ground by a group identified as Ezza Elites was organised without the involvement or approval of the recognised custodians of Ezza cultural heritage.

According to the association, although every group is entitled to freedom of association and peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution, presenting such a gathering as the official Okeaku Festival could create confusion and undermine long-standing cultural traditions.

AEISCID stressed that cultural festivals should not be subjected to political interests, insisting that the values and customs that have sustained the Ezza people over the years must be preserved.

The organisation called on the organisers of the event to take note of the concerns raised and ensure that future activities conform to established cultural protocols to safeguard the sanctity of the annual festival.

It also appealed to sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to remain peaceful and united, warning against actions capable of creating disunity within the community.

Reaffirming its commitment to the promotion and preservation of Ezza cultural heritage, the association urged all stakeholders to work together to protect the customs and traditions that define the identity of the people.

The group further reminded members of the community of the age-long Ezza saying, "Ezza jikotara onu, ndu lanu, olu lanu," which it said symbolises unity, strength and peaceful coexistence despite differences.

AEISCID accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the festival for political advantage, urging Ezza people to disregard actions it described as capable of eroding the community's cultural values.

It also cautioned the group behind the gathering to exercise restraint, warning that activities capable of undermining established traditions could have cultural, moral and political consequences.

The association concluded by calling on Ezza people across the world to remain united under the traditional institutions that guide the community, while pledging to continue supporting efforts aimed at preserving the peace, unity and cultural heritage of the Ezza nation.