ENUGU, Nigeria — The traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, Anambra State, His Royal Majesty (Engr.) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, and his cabinet have reportedly suspended activities for the 2026 Ekwulobia New Yam Festival.
The cancellation followed the reported abduction of prominent businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Julius Ezeokafor.
The decision, according to information attributed to sources close to the traditional institution, was taken amid growing concern and sadness in the community over the reported disappearance of the businessman.
The 2026 Ekwulobia New Yam Festival was scheduled for September 4, 2026.
Ekwulobia is known for its annual New Yam celebrations, which traditionally bring together indigenes and visitors for cultural and communal activities.
Background sources also identify September as the period in which Ekwulobia traditionally celebrates its New Yam Festival.
According to the report circulating in the community, the monarch’s decision was communicated to the President-General of Ekwulobia, Chief Azubuike Ezechukwu, popularly known as Uzommiri.
Reported Abduction in Awka
Chief Ezeokafor was reportedly abducted in Awka on Tuesday morning while attending an overnight prayer programme at Ifite, Awka.
His whereabouts were said to remain unknown as of Sunday, with the information available to the community indicating that the alleged abductors had not established contact with his family.
The reported incident has generated concern in Ekwulobia because of Chief Ezeokafor’s prominence in the community and his longstanding involvement in business and community affairs.
Publicly available reporting identifies Chief Joseph Ezeokafor as a major figure associated with Jezco.
The Punch reported in 2025 that Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, identified as the CEO of Jezco Oil Nigeria Limited and Jezco Plastic, participated in a facility tour of Anambra State government projects in Awka and Ekwulobia.
A separate report by TheCable also identified Chief J.J. Ezeokafor as the proprietor of Jezco Group and an associate of prominent political and community activities in Anambra State.
Festival Suspension
The reported cancellation means that planned cultural activities surrounding the 2026 celebration are expected to be suspended rather than proceed.
Meanwhile, the community remains distressed over the reported disappearance.
The decision is being viewed locally as a symbolic expression of solidarity with the Ezeokafor family and concern over the security situation.
For Ekwulobia, the New Yam Festival is more than an entertainment event.
It forms part of the town’s cultural calendar and provides an occasion for indigenes living at home and abroad to return.
The return enables them to celebrate the harvest and participate in traditional activities.
A description of Ekwulobia’s cultural traditions notes that the town holds an annual New Yam Festival, while other accounts of the festival describe September as the traditional period for the celebration.
Community Awaits News on Ezeokafor
The immediate concern, however, remains the reported whereabouts of Chief Ezeokafor.
As of the information available for this report, there had been no independently verified public confirmation of his location.
Also, there is no statement from the Anambra State Police Command providing details of the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incident, including the identities and motives of the alleged abductors, remain unclear.
The reported suspension of the festival consequently underscores the wider anxiety generated by the incident.
Community members are anxiously awaiting further information concerning the businessman.
The Ekwulobia traditional institution and community leadership are expected to monitor developments while maintaining contact with the affected family and relevant authorities.
This report is based on the information supplied concerning the reported abduction and festival suspension.
The specific 2026 incident and the palace directive could not be independently verified through reliable publicly available sources at the time of publication.
