The Anambra State Government has banned individuals and groups from organising parallel celebrations of the New Yam Festival in communities across the state.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs issued the directive in a statement signed by the Commissioner, Chief Vin Ezeaka, in Awka. The government said it had observed attempts by some individuals and groups to organise separate New Yam, Iwa Ji or Iri Ji celebrations outside the traditional arrangements.

According to the government, such celebrations contravene the customs and traditions of the affected communities and could create tension between traditional rulers and other groups.

Ezeaka said the government had previously communicated the directive to community Presidents-General and traditional rulers, but observed that some individuals continued to organise festivals before or on the same date as those approved by traditional rulers.

He described the practice as an unlawful usurpation of the traditional rights of royal fathers and warned that it could create conditions capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The government therefore directed that no individual or group should hold a New Yam Festival, Iwa Ji, Iri Ji or any similar celebration before the traditional ruler or on the same date as the ruler's official celebration.

The directive takes immediate effect across Anambra State.

The government said the measure was intended to protect established traditional institutions and prevent disputes arising from competing celebrations within communities.