The paramount ruler of Edepie community, His Royal Highness, Chief Shadrach Etivie, has marked the '34th Obunem Epie Festival Opolo 2026' with the gospel of peace, sacrifice, unity, public service, and support for the underprivileged, while offering prayers for community stability, security, and prosperity.
Chief Shadrach led an inspiring call for unity, reconciliation, and collective action for Edepie community during the Epie Annual Festival held in Opolo community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
The prestigious event drew dignitaries from across Bayelsa and Nigeria, focused on fostering peace, development, and cultural renaissance in Epie land.
Speaking exclusively to MG News24, His Royal Highness, Chief Shadrach Etivie, commended the spirit of unity demonstrated during the 2026 Epie Festival, describing it as a rekindling of togetherness that must guide the people’s politics, institutions, and relationships.
Chief Etivie urged stakeholders and political leaders to put aside partisan differences and align personal ambitions with the collective vision of the Edepie community.
“You can never be greater or higher than the kingdom you belong to,” he said. “Let us unite to protect our villages, farmlands, families, and dignity. The soul of the Edepie Kingdom is built on integrity.”
“That spirit must never fade,” he said. “It must guide our actions because unity is the key that will open every closed door before us.”
On cultural preservation, the Paramount Ruler described culture as “the soul of our identity” and announced that the Annual Epie Annual Festival has become a national celebration to promote unity and preserve the people’s heritage.
He described the festival as a convergence of purpose, thanking all the monarchs for inspiring a new wave of unity across Epie kingdom.