By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Residents of Uzairue Kingdom turned out in large numbers to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with excitement and admiration as the Ogieneni of Uzairue, Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai IV, led a colourful procession through the community.
The atmosphere in Jattu, Ikpe-Uzairue, was filled with joy as the monarch walked side by side with his people from the palace to the Eid prayer ground.
Many residents described the moment as historic and heartwarming, noting that the ruler’s presence among them added special meaning to the celebration.
Men, women, and youths lined the streets, cheering and exchanging greetings as the royal procession moved through the town.
Some residents expressed delight at the rare opportunity to walk alongside their traditional ruler, saying it strengthened their sense of belonging and unity.
Mallam Murtala Kabir, remarked, praising the Ogieneni for identifying closely with the people. “This is what leadership should look like,”
Others noted that the procession brought a renewed sense of togetherness and pride within the kingdom.
After the Eid prayers, the procession returned to the palace in the same lively spirit, with residents continuing to celebrate and share in the festive mood.
In a message delivered through the Chief Imam, Mallam Muhammad Abdullah Shuaib, the Ogieneni congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to uphold the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion imbibed during the holy month.
For many in Uzairue, this year’s Eid celebration will be remembered not just for the prayers, but for the rare and joyful moment of walking with their monarch, an experience they say is only available during Eid celebrations and which has deepened the bond between the throne and the people.
