"Things Fall Apart; the Center Cannot Hold": Ikenge Festival as a Call for Unity in Ogume
The famous phrase, “Things fall apart; the center cannot hold,” aptly captures the chaos and disorder that arise when traditional structures and values collapse.
This theme resonates deeply with the current realities of the Ogume people.
According to the Okpala Elishi of Ogbe Ogume of Ndokwa West Local Government, Delta State, His Royal Eminence, Obuenwe Sir Valentine Sunday Akpati, the Ikenge Festival serves as a vital means of uniting the people of Ogume Kingdom.
In light of the political, social, and moral challenges facing the community, he emphasized the urgent need for love to rebuild and reconnect the society.
Sir Valentine noted that, in times when laws and customs no longer hold sway, love becomes a more powerful guide for human actions as It inspires sacrifice, compassion, and justice,even in the absence of traditional authority.
“Love gives meaning,” he said, “when other forms of purpose have disintegrated.”
His Eminence further explained that when structures collapse, love represents the humane cost of that disintegration.
He noted that the destruction of relationships and the inability to connect emotionally underline the tragedy more profoundly than even the battlefield.
“As kingdoms fall apart,” he said, “love becomes both a refuge and a revolution. It restores our humanity amid collapse and reminds us of our shared vulnerabilities, desires, and hope. The more things fall apart, the more urgent the need becomes for connection, for tenderness,for love.”
Some of the chiefs who spoke at the event commended the leadership of Ogume for the peaceful conduct of the 2025 Ikenge Festival, and expressed hope for further improvement.
They described Ikenge Festival as a joyful celebration where everyone comes out to rejoice with their kinsmen, strengthening communal bonds.
The respondents also praised the youths for their active participation, urging them to preserve and protect their culture and traditions, as culture is the foundation of identity
