The Natural Ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, Eze Igbu Akoh II, has called on the people of Akoh Kingdom and the entire Ekpeye land to remain united and peaceful to preserve their cultural heritage.
Speaking during the Igbu Akoh Wrestling Challenge held at the Odieke-Akoh Community playground on July 25, 2026, Eze Ikegbidi said peace, love and togetherness remain essential for sustaining the traditions and cultural identity of any people.
The monarch described the wrestling festival as a platform for fostering unity, discouraging violence and other social vices, while strengthening the bond among communities in Akoh Kingdom and across Ekpeye land.
He urged the people to continue supporting his leadership to ensure greater development and lasting harmony in the kingdom.
Eze Ikegbidi described the event as historic and commended the peaceful conduct of participants and guests, noting that the large turnout demonstrated the unity and hospitality of the Akoh people.
The monarch expressed appreciation to the Ekpeye Monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, represented by His Royal Highness, Eze Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu-Orlukwor II, as well as other traditional rulers and dignitaries who attended the festival.
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He also thanked the Guest of Honour, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, member representing Ahoada West Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Salvation Ezegwogwo, security agencies, Akoh women, the Igbu Akoh Youth Congress and residents of Odieke-Akoh Community for their support toward the success of the event.
Representing His Imperial Majesty, Eze Ike Ehie dismissed rumours of disunity within Ekpeye land, insisting that the ethnic nationality remains united.
“The event has shown that Ekpeye people are one. Rumours suggesting otherwise should stop. Our prayer is for continued peace, unity and development across Ekpeye land,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Salvation Ezegwogwo, said his vision was to promote the welfare of sons and daughters of Akoh Kingdom and Ekpeye land. He announced financial support for each of the 14 villages that participated in the wrestling competition.
One of the champions, Sunny Mark from Ahoada West, described the competition as a unifying event that has continued to promote peace and togetherness. He urged other communities to emulate the Akoh Kingdom by sustaining cultural festivals that encourage youth participation and community development.
The colourful event featured the traditional breaking of kolanuts, cultural dance displays, wrestling contests, community parades and the participation of chiefs, traditional rulers and prominent sons and daughters of Ekpeye land.
