The ancient Abedezongo festival returned amid fanfare and excitement for the Odimodi people in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The first lap of the four-day event was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in the community and caused excitement among indigenes and visitors.
Prior to its hiatus about a decade ago, the Abadezongo masquerade was a bi-annual affair and was a reason for a tourist attraction to the Odimodi community.
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The return of the masquerade with a great spiritual inclination for the indigenes saw an unusual rise in business activities as spectators from neighboring communities and states longed for a glimpse of Abadezongo.
Giving insight on what the festival means for the people, Chief Pukon Alex said the festival is usually seen as a proper way to celebrate every new year.
He said that apart from the celebrative aspect, Abadezongo is also tasked with the spiritual responsibility of cleansing the community against evil and opening the doors of prosperity to the people.
A youth leader of the community, Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene explained that the masquerade serves as a deity as well for the people.
Accord to Yangaboy, Abadezongo has been a source of prosperity to countless people in the past and remains a source of blessings to those who believe in its powers.
The Public Relations Officer of Odimodi Community, Dere Podoki corroborated the previous positions, buttressing that many indigenes make vows to Abadezongo and returns to fulfil these vows when such vows are fulfilled.
The opening day of the four-day event witnessed the appearance of Abadezongo and Finkorobina masquerades.
While Abadezongo is a cleanser and blesser of the people, Finkorobina represents the return of peace to the Odimodi community.
See photos from the opening day of the Abadezongo festival.
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