A new generation of the Omiaha Kingdom assumed power over the weekend in a colorful hifira traditional ceremony held at the king’s Achalili farm in Ibonni in Lopa County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The new generation, the fourteenth, was named Maa (locust swam) by King Alifa Omoro and a new fire was lit to replace the old one which was put out on the night of 14 January.
A black bull was also choked to death by the new generation to symbolize peace and serenity.
Speaking during the event last Saturday, Gamaliel Oturbong, a member of the new generation, said power was handed to them because the outgoing generation of Iboyo II (Boro) was no longer physically fit to handle the community affairs.
“We are now all set physically, mentally, and internally to face the challenges,” Oturbong pledged. “It is now our time.”
O.I. Pentecost, an author, cautioned the new generation not to slumber and straightaway chart the course of their future.
“The hope of the Omiaha community is in the new generation,” Pentecost said. “There are a lot of socio-economic and political issues affecting the community which was not fully addressed by the outgoing generation.”
For his part, the former governor of the now-defunct Imatong State, Nartisio Oluke Manir, who is also a member of the outgoing generation, reiterated their continued support to the new generation.
“Come to us whenever you face a challenge. We will be there to guide you as your dear elders,” Oluke said.
In 1978 and 2000, the Tuhet II and Boro generations were respectively initiated by the late Queen Hohoro Omoro I. After her death in 2015, Alifa Omoro took over.
The kingdom implements a 22-year calendar round of the hifira generation initiation ceremony and the new group will run community matters until 2044.
The cultural event was attended by representatives from the state and Lopa County.
Omiaha Kingdom comprises Ibonni, Ibahure, Imuluha, Ohilang, Ibele, Atarangi and Hidonge Malangit villages.