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| HRM OBOL SUNDAY OBONO OKOI, OBOL LOPON OF MKPANI |
The Obol Lopon of Mkpani, HRM
Obol Sunday Obono Okoi has called on the people of Yakurr nation and Cross
River State in general to embrace peace in the region, as it is only when there
is peace and mutual coexistence among the people that will bring sustainable development
and sustain the tourism potentials of the state. He stated that, a crisis
ridden state is a destitute ridden society. He however, assures for a peaceful and conducive
environment for the celebration of 2017 Edition of Mkpani (Leboku) New Yam
Festival.
The Obol Lopon thanked the Cross River State government for the
development stride in the state and advised the government to always show
prompt attention in quenching or attending to issues that may bring tension and
total break down of law and order in the state.
The Monarch made this known, while briefing newsmen in his Palace, on
Monday 21st August, 2017, to mark this year’s Edition of Mkpani (Leboku)
New Yam Festival which is schedule to kick-start on the 1st
September, through 2nd of the same month.
Leboku is the annual new Yam festival celebrated in Mkpani and Yakurr
in general. It is the event that marks the traditional year of harvest and
gratification for the successes in labour. It is also the period of
reconciliation and sober reflection in which the past is reminiscence to the
present and unto the future.
This
Festival and celebration among Mkpani people is a mark of the rich cultural
heritage of the people. This feast covers the various socio-cultural aspect of
life of Mkpani people, like farming yields, hunting, marriages, Kopoma,
conferment of honour and dignity upon individuals or group among others. The celebration always take place from August, September and early
October. In Mkpani, the celebrations of Leboku festival normally take place on
September every year.
Oral history attests the fact that Leboku had its origin from the
culture and religion of the tribal communities of Ekoi tribe where Yakurr
tradition of origin can be traced.
According to the people, it is traditional that before any person can
harvest a new yam, the Obol Lopon in-Council must first harvest and eat the new
yam (Obol Lopon nor'woyee' lojofi) which signifies, the first traditional
formalities for the new yam harvest.
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