Ajali

Umuachi Festival

It was the time of the year when Umuachi clan celebrates their dead ones. The festival normally come as a reminder of their past heroes and non heroes existence in the land. Those whom they believe to have kept the tradition and legacy of their community to what it seem today.On that day, anyone below the age of eighteen is not allowed to partake in the festival. It is believed that once they do, the dead spirits would take them along. The audacity of joining a festival which you are not quite ripe for or unprepared is the reason they easily see their death should they participate. Once they get to the ripe age,they are always trained and taught everything concerning adulthood which includes such festival. The ceremony includes inviting the six chief priest which represents the six dieties of the clan. The six of them carry a small pot which spits smoke on their head, with omu( the infant leaf of a palm tree), and red drawing of six heads on their bare chest. The head of the six deity is seen with a long horn on his head and a staff which he uses to conjure the spirit of the dead ones.

Another spectacular thing about such day is that ones the festival ends, a big antelope is seen at the peak of their mountain. The appearance of the antelope signifies an answered prayer. Whatever that is brought by the people as sacrifice during the festival, they gather it and place where the animal would feed on it.

Every teenager in the community has gone inside as the festival began in order to honour the sacred feast.

Ajali who is not upto eighteen was seen among the people waiting for the ceremony to commence. One of the elders who saw him walked up to him questioning why he was standing there and he replied; ' I believe this ceremony is a good one but also a medium the evil ones in our community use to kill the innocent ones on the claims that they are not allowed to partake. So I am here to prevent any death from happening this time around'. Ekene looked at him with awe and insisted he leaves. Ajali stood where he was. Seeing that it will be difficult to send the boy away, he went and called the king of the clan. The king who is a very important image in the ceremony was angry to be distracted on this special occasion. Ekene who happened to be one of the cabinet members told him it was important and he followed Ekene to where the boy was standing. Already , Ajali had gathered more of his age mates who seem to be curious about the festival to the ceremonial ground. On getting there, the king asked them to leave but they seem adamant to his command. The king together with Ekene left the teenagers to their fate and went back to their post of duty.

The drums started, the songs of the dead rose in the environment, The six deities started their incantations in one voice and in praise of their dead ones. Women are seen squatting on the floor with their bare hands in mid air as if ready to catch something. Six kolanuts were broken and spread in the six direction. The first of the priests mouthed some words and others joined him. Suddenly a heavy wind enveloped all of them. It first came like a tornado and then with a heavy blow. The few young boys seen initially with Ajali ran back to the hut where other kids were. Except for Zube , Ajali's friend who refused to join them. As it got to the peak of the ceremony when the spirits appear, Ajali suddenly felt dizzy. He could hear the voice of the priests faintly. It was as if he was in a trance. The priests have been able to summon the dead, especially the great Onwubiko who is known for always going back with a huge sacrifice. Not only does he go back with the sacrifices on the mountain but also loves taking children with him. Some said that it is not Onwubiko who comes but the evil spirit in him who has overshadowed his good spirit. When Onwubiko was alive, he was the best hunter Urobo kingdom in general has. His swordsmanship is incomparable,this has earned him several titles like 'Agu' (The Lion), Oke nwoke ( The great man).

Therefore people believed the spirit of hunting has taken over him, Every year he creates fear especially to the mothers who do not want to loose their children. Sometimes it is difficult for the six priests to control and send him back to the under world if he doesn't see any children around once the festival is concluded.

Ajali has once asked his mother the reason they must go with sacrifices and his mother had told him that it is meant to appease them so they can pray for those who are still living.

As Ajali was trying to get hold of the whole scenerio around him, Onwubiko approached Zube who happened to have urinated on his pants already due to fear. Songs of the dead rose in the air as if dancing to the tune of the spirit. Ajali stood where he was;unmoved. He waited for the spirit to come nearer.The chief priests on seeing this, tried to control the spirit but it was to no avail. Onwubiko has already smelt blood and is eager to take zube who happened to be same age with Ajali. Zube's blood got a strong hold of him. He can't forfeit to miss this. As he approached the boy,he stretched his hand to touch his forehead, Zube became trapped by his figure. He felt his strength Leaving him. Suddenly he collapsed, his eyes burning with pains. He tried to get up but fell again. Onwubiko has already approached Zube and is about to touch the boy. Ajali couldnt hold his anger anymore, his eyes changed revealing a more reddish one, his voice too changed as he called Onwubiko by name. Onwubiko stood transfixed, immediately the spirit recognized him and knelt before him. Ajali still transfixed commanded him not to ever take any children from this day. 'I will trap your spirit forever and you shall never be able to enjoy any sacrifice by my people nor be allowed freedom of passage to the earth by attempting to kill my friend. You were called here as a good spirit to bless our land and not to bring sorrows to our mothers.Now Dissapear frm this earth. He raised his hands and the clouds roar heavily. A sudden rain fell in the community. Everyone was shocked at the scene.People started running back to their hut. The king also left with panicked. " No wonder the boy refused to go inside". He had powers indeed. Onwubiko who is the strongest spirit of all spirits has been driven away by this boy. I will have to find out who he really is. He has saved the community from further premature deaths.

Ajali stood sweating as Onwubiko vanished from the earth. He went to Zube who is already unconscious by the whole ordeal. He touched the boy and blew into his nostrils. Zube gave out a sneeze and opened his eyes. He hugged Ajali and started sobbing.

Ajali took him home to his parents. When Zube's mother saw them, he ran to them and she shed uncontrollable tears. she thanked Ajali and he left mother and son to their moments. meanwhile the news has gone round and everyone in the community started avoiding Ajali. The reason was because they respected and feared him at the same time.