IKHIN – A total of 18 adults who have attained the ages of 72 years and above were during the week admitted into the Elders’ Age (Igbe) group of Ikhin town in Owan East Local Government Area.

The clan head of Ikhin, HRH Oba Thomas Olakpede who incidentally is the most senior person in the community led the pack of elders who celebrated the “Igbe” festival.

“Igbe” or age group festival is celebrated every four years for those who attained the ages of 72 years and above, and it spans across both sexes.

Reports say that every Ikhin man or woman looks forward to the celebration of “Igbe” every four years with great expectations as it is used to celebrate longitivity in the community.

In a chat, the chief celebrant, Oba Thomas Olakpede said the age group festival which is a one week event was devoid of any ritual.

The age group, celebration, he stated was celebrated by all sons and daughters of Ikhin who attained ages between 72 years and above, stressing that the age group is not fetish.

The monarch however called on the people to always appreciate their culture and tradition noting that this was the only way our cherished values and norms as Africans could be