Ukelle Traditional Rulers Council
The Ukelle Traditional Rulers Council stands as the custodian of our cherished customs, the guardians of our ancestral wisdom,
and the beacon of unity across all Ukelle communities. Led by His Royal Highness, the Chairman, this council preserves the dignity
of our heritage, mediates communal affairs, and ensures that the cultural heartbeat of Ukelle continues to flourish.
From the sacred festivals that bind us together to the wise deliberations that shape our future, the Council embodies the spirit
of service, leadership, and cultural pride that defines Ukelle.
History of the Ukelle Cultural Festival
The Ukelle Cultural Festival, rooted in centuries of tradition, is a vibrant celebration of the heritage, spirituality, and communal identity of the Ukelle (or Kukelle) people of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. At its core lies the Likpeh—the New Yam Festival—a sacred ceremony of thanksgiving, agricultural renewal, and social unity.
Ancestral Origins
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the earliest agrarian practices of the Ukelle people. As a predominantly farming society, yams became more than just a staple food—they symbolized life, fertility, and abundance. The Likpeh Festival was instituted as a sacred ritual to honor ancestral spirits, express gratitude for the harvest, and renew communal ties through music and dance.
Cultural Expression Through Time
Over time, Likpeh evolved into a comprehensive cultural event featuring masquerades, acrobatic dances, symbolic masks, and music. Each subgroup—Wanikade, Wanihem, Wanokom, Uzilagar, Uzokom, and Ntrigom—infused their own traditions, showcasing unity in diversity.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Impact
Though colonial pressures once threatened indigenous customs, the Ukelle people preserved their heritage. In post-independence Nigeria, the festival surged as a proud expression of identity, resilience, and cultural rebirth—passing through generations.
Modern-Day Festival & Renaissance
Today, the festival features carnival parades, music shows, beauty pageants, and youth participation through social media and modern arts. The Ukelle Nation Carnival introduced in 2023 broadened the scope and connected all clans in colorful unity.
Today and Beyond
The Ukelle Cultural Festival now stands as a symbol of unity, a tool for cultural preservation, a platform for tourism, and a legacy of strength. It connects the past with the future—bridging elders and youth, the homeland and the diaspora.
“Likpeh is not just a festival; it is a mirror of our soul as Ukelle people.”
SPONSORS OF 2024 UKELLE CULTURAL FESTIVAL
- Hon. Brian Odey — 100,000
- Anonymous — 200,000
- Dr. Julius Ekpa — 100,000
- Mrs Nanu Ogar Modey — 500,000
- Savings from the visit to HE — 1,000,000
- Engr John Ude — 100,000
- Dr Boniface Ogumbe — 10,000
- Udu Joseph Ejebong — 10,000
- Hon. Onoh John Ulafor — 50,000
- Dr. Stephen Ogbudu — 50,000
- The Odoms — 200,000
- Hon Dr Achadu — 1,000,000
- Frank Ugbem — 20,000
- Mrs Christiana Adinye — 20,000
- Mr Omuru Frederick Ikogor — 50,000
- Dr. Stephen Eguba — 20,000
- Dr. Julius Okputu — 1,500,000
- Igbang Michael I. — 100,000
- Mr Justus Okey — 20,000
- Mr Onoh Bobby — 10,000
- Mr Sunday Ogana Ebele — 10,000
- Mrs Paulina Ujiji — 30,000
- Surv. Mrs Gloria Femi-Soyombo — 30,000
- Mr Chris Ikade Igbang — 10,000
- Mr Sly Igelle — 100,000
- Hon. Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata — 1,000,000
- Chief Emmanuel Asegem — 100,000
- Mr David Ugber — 20,000
- Mr Ikade Stephen Okpako — 100,000
- Dist. Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe — 4,000,000
- Mr Isaac Okpokpo — 10,000
- Wing Comdr Stanley Okputu — 150,000
- HOLGA Yala (Mrs Cecilia Ogar) — 100,000
- Madam Beatrice Wogor — 20,000
- Dr. John Inaku — 50,000
- PS Emmanuel Ikade — 30,000
- Hon Friday Eji — 100,000
- Mr Anthony Ede — 100,000
- Hon(Mrs) Felicia Ijoko Undelikwo (JP) — 50,000
- Pst. Ignatius Egere — 50,000
- Hon. Godwin Obuok Igelle — 20,000
- Hon. Godwin Offiono — 500,000
- Hon. Dr. Fred Okem — 100,000
- Ikade Emmanuel Ikade — 50,000
- Hon. Cyprain Uneji — 20,000
- Mr Emmanuel Friday — 50,000
- Buanava Ukelle ka Calabar — 20,000
- Hon. Vera Oli Igelle — 10,000
- Hon. Joseph Ulakom — 10,000
- Chief Henry Onwe — 100,000
- Hon. Solomon Igelle Ubut — 50,000
- Mr. Inaku Luke Inaku — 50,000
- Hon. Christian Ikiri — 20,000
- Hon. Joseph Mom Olom — 20,000
- TOTAL — 12,140,000
UKELLE DAYS OF THE WEEK
Egana
Ekwok
Liffin
Ebi
Igelle
UKELLE MAJOR MARKETS, UKELLE WEEK DAYS AND LOCATION
Mfuma Market
WEEK DAY: EganaLOCATION: Mfuma, South Ukelle
Wanokom Market
WEEK DAY: EkwokLOCATION: Wanokom, North Ukelle
Wanikade Market
WEEK DAY: LiffinLOCATION: Wanikade, North Ukelle
Ntrigom Market
WEEK DAY: EbiLOCATION: Ntrigom, South Ukelle
Ezekwe Market
WEEK DAY: IgelleLOCATION: Ezekwe, North Ukelle
Iwango Market
WEEK DAY: EbiLOCATION: Iwango, North Ukelle
Ogor Market
WEEK DAY: EkwokLOCATION: Ogor, North Ukelle
Places to See in Ukelle
Explore nature, farms, markets and historical sites across Ukelle.
Okolor Stream – Wanihiem Ukelle
A serene natural stream, perfect for relaxation and a view into Ukelle’s natural beauty.
Akpama Forest — Ezekwe
In this forest no one speaks English. If you speak English, you wouldn't be able to find your way out again.
Ukelle Yam Farms
Explore expansive yam plots reflecting Ukelle's agricultural heritage and harvest cycles.
Coco Yam Farm — Wanikade
A mixed-crop farm in North Ukelle where cocoyam ridges — picturesque and productive.
Rice Farm — Ukelle
Floodplain rice paddies with traditional irrigation — an essential part of local food systems.
Cassava Farm — Wanihiem (North Ukelle)
Starchy roots cultivated for flour, garri and local dishes — visit during harvest for demonstrations.
Mfuma Market
A lively trading hub — fresh produce, crafts, and bustling activity where locals gather.
Nigerian Army Bunker — Civil War Site
A significant historical landmark from the Biafran-Nigerian war era. Please treat as a sensitive site and seek local guidance when visiting.
