Bayelsa: Iduwini Kingdom Holds Bini Kamai Festival

•The event acts as a unifying factor for the Ijaw nation – HRM, Ogiobo IX

The annual Amatu Bini Kamai festival was on Wednesday 22nd November 2017 held by the people of Amatu community, the traditional headquarters of Iduwini Kingdom in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Explaining what the Amatu Bini Kamai festival means to the community, an indigene, Mr. Preye told our correspondent that the festival is used to appreciate God Almighty who gave them water (bini) which provides them with fishing as well as other aquatic related occupations. 

Part of the festival as observed by our correspondent, took place at the traditional centre referred to as ‘Osuo Egbesu Bo’.  At this place, the heads of various kingdoms, clans as well as other dignitaries gather to observe the traditional activities.

Also, while speaking  with our correspondent at the event, HRM, Ogiobo IX, the Pere of Iduwini Kingdom who doubles as the  host, explained that apart from using the festival to give thanks to God, it also avails the community the opportunity to foster unity and peace in Ijaw nation

The elated Ogiobo IX, pointed out that this informed the presence of traditional rulers at the occasion to give support to the needed peaceful coexistence.

His Royal Majesty finally stated that such a programmes have a way of bringing together the various leaders in the Ijaw nation.

In a related development, Chief Williams Itima, while giving the historical overview of celebration stated that Amatu was the first port of call during the migration of the Itsekiris from the Benin Kingdom in Edo state.

The above development according to him informed the adoption of Amatu as the headquarters of Iduwini Kingdom, while Amatu II, becomes the extension of Amatu community. 

Present at the event includes but not limited to the  following Royal Fathers;  HRM, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State; HRM, Couple Oromoni, the Pere of Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, Delta State; HRM, Alagbabunafa III, The Pere of Olodiama Kingdom, Edo state;

Others are HRM, Oguruyeke, Okirimini I, the Pere of Tubutoru Kingdom, Ondo State, HRM Beri Apoi II Oki, Ogudumu, the Kalasuo of Okomu Kingdom.