It was a chilly and slightly dusty harmattan morning on Saturday the 8^th of January, 2022. It was not a regular day, but one of commemorative importance to Auchi Sacred Kingdom and the people therein as well as neighbouring communities.

It was the Auchi day!

Auchi day has been held on the 8^th of January of every year since 2010.

It is a day where all Auchi sons, daughters, residents, neighbours, friends and well-wishers gather in the community to celebrate the rich culture, including dance, music, food, sporting activities and hunting games of the Auchi Sacred Kingdom. It is a colourful event celebrated with pomp and glamour and an opportunity for Auchi indigenes to gather in the community to give thanks to the Almighty God for all they have been blessed with.

This year, Momoh descendants joined HRH Otaru H.A. Momoh, Ikelebe III, the 10^th Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom in celebrating Auchi day. The day commenced with a walk by the Otaru and his subjects mostly robed in white apparel just before the break of dawn. He was accompanied, among others, by Prince Sehid Momoh (the Madaiki of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Prince Mohammed Momoh (the Oshioze of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Sheikh Suleman Momoh (the Takobi of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Prince Shaka Momoh (the Okhaimoh of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Prince Mohammed Kabir “Chalaman” Momoh and Sheikh Mohammed Muniru Momoh. While walking, prayers were chanted ceaselessly to the Almighty God for the Kingdom. The morning walk culminated at the Arafat Mosque (a landmark achievement constructed by the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom as one of his legacy projects). Here, the Otaru in Council and his entourage prayed for the community, for prosperity and God’s continued guidance.

After the observation of the sunrise prayers at the Arafat Mosque, the Otaru gave a speech where he tasked the community on purity of thoughts, adherence to the principles of truth, justice and fairness; being the best in their callings (professional activities) in the service of humanity.

After the climax of the early morning walk, the Otaru and his entourage retired to prepare for the day’s activities.

The Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom walked in at 10.30am, accompanied by the Aidonogie of South Ibie, HRH Alhaji Kelvin Danesi and the Atoma of Imiegbai, (Ogiaga of the three Ibies), HRH Alhaji Ali Sulayman. The Auchi day celebrations commenced with all dignitaries present at 10.45 am with the National anthem and the Auchi anthem, followed by a beautiful musical rendition by the Olesese of Auchi Sacred Kingdom.

The Daudus of the villages were joined by more Momoh descendants including Prince Yusuf Asamah Kadiri SAN (the Yerima of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Prince (Dr) Mojeed Momoh (the Dania of Auchi and Prince Omamofe Boyo (the Aidegbai of Auchi Sacred Kingdom) who chaired the occasion.

The Spiritual essence of the Auchi day was not lost in the midst of the celebrations. Professor Z.I. Oseni (the Chief Imam of Auchi Sacred Kingdom) spoke the opening prayers. Qur’anic recitations were also given for the Almighty God to continue to bless the Auchi Sacred Kingdom and the day’s activities. The guest lecturer Sheikh Suleman Momoh (the Takobi of Auchi Sacred Kingdom) gave the lecture where he charged the attendees to observe the sanctity of the dedicated place of worship.

The cultural activities involved a tug of war, a friendly wrestling match, entertaining cultural dances and showcase of games by the hunters in their full hunting regalia who sang and danced around their games to the admiration of the crowd. They also demonstrated their hunting skills.

HRH Otaru H.A. Momoh Ikelebe III, gave his remarks where he spoke on the significance of the Auchi day, why the day was chosen and the impact on the community. He then took attendees on a historical journey on the activity the day before: the commissioning of undoubtedly the largest Mosque in Southern Nigeria, the Arafat Mosque with a capacity for 10,000 worshippers! He explained that the journey began as far back as 1992 (before he ascended the Throne) in terms of raising the funds to commit to the project for the Auchi people; he further enumerated the various challenges surmounted to realize the completion of the project. He paid homage to the 6^th Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, HRH Oshiogbele Momoh Idaoh, who had the vision in 1914 to clear (and cleared) Auchi of all forms of idolatory and set the path towards spiritual liberation of the Kingdom. The Otaru was thankful to the Almighty God for guiding the project to completion.

The rest of the day’s activities involved the donation of medical items, and vocational items to women who were full of appreciation. The Otaru also commissioned other items donated by members of the community to assist in areas of security, health and empowerment.

It was a day of thanksgiving, joy, celebrations and reconnections.

Long Live HRH Otaru H.A. Momoh, Ikelebe III!

Long Live the Auchi Sacred Kingdom!!

May the Land continue to be blissful, fruitful and peaceful for everyone in all their endeavours therein.

Amen.