A new generation in the Otuho (Latuka) Maya Kingdom, under King David Oyalla II, received power on Sunday in a traditional generational handover (Efira) held in the historical shrine known as Hoding in Iloli village along the Torit- Kapoeta road.
The King named the ruling monyiemiji (ruling generation) the Akara.
During the event on Sunday, 30 May, a new fire for the new ruling generation was produced by friction using dry firewood while the old fires of the old ruling generation were put out. The new fire was supplied to all the 18 villages of Maya Kingdom under King David Oyalala II early on Sunday morning. The new fire would be used for the next 22 years.
Speaking during the event, Amanya Jacob, a member of the outgoing monyiemiji, said they are ready to cooperate with the new ruling generation.
“The transfer of this power is a democratic process in Latuka (Otuho). Whether you like it or not, when it reaches 22 years, you must transfer power to the new generation,” Amanya clarified. “This is explained in such a way that when people grow older, they become weaker, therefore the new generation has to take power. That is why Latuka defines the 22 years.”
Meanwhile, Taban Francis Philip, a monyiemiji youth from the new ruling generation said it is important for them to maintain their cultures and traditions.
“I fall in the fourth group as far as our culture is concerned. So, we are trending into a modern era. We want to see our cultures, our rich cultures exposed to the rest of the world. We want to sell it,” Taban said. “We also want to tell people from other cultures in South Sudan that there is also a Kingdom in Latuka (Otuho) called the Maya Kingdom.”
This is the first ceremony the current king has blessed since taking power in 2011 after his mother’s death.
The King's mother, Queen Ijura, graced the generational transfers of power in 1977 and 1998.
The generational transfer of power under the Maya Kingdom has been taking place for over 500 years ago and happens after every 22 years.
As of now, the new ruling Monyiemiji are the decision-makers until 22 years elapse.
The occasion was attended by the governor of Eastern Equatoria, Louis Lobong Lojore, and other national and state officials.
The villages under the Maya Kingdom include, Obira, Iloli, Hiyalla, Ilieu, Burung, Loming, Chalamini, Oronyo, Mura-hatiha, Abalua, Oriajo, Iswaha, Ibalany and Torit among othrs.