The 2026 edition of the traditional masquerade festival of Omelema community in Abua Central, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State has come and gone with a joy that can only be described as phenomenal.
The four – day traditional carnival, which kicked off on Monday May 4, 2026 rounded off on Thursday May 7, 2026 was a historic event because the “Oru-Alabo,” who controls the “Oboom-oin” (chief masquerade) of Omelema, according to the tradition and culture of the festival, had not been showcased for the past three years.
This was due to the demise of the last Oru-Alabo, without whom the chief masquerade could not go to Osoobu.
The traditional masquerade festival which attracted visitors from neighbouring communities within and outside the LGA brought joy and excitement to the Omelema community, participants and spectators as well.
It also attracted important dignitaries from all works of life, including politicians, some of who came because the current chairman of the LGA, Engr Owolobi Michael Ofori is from the Omelema community, host of the festival.
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