A heavy downpour at the peak of comenncement of maiden Iriji Festival of Protea Hotel to slow it down, frustrate and mess up the arrangement has been described as a kind of protest from the gods of the land by traditionalists and others.
Stakeholders are of the view that is an abuse of Igbo culture and what the Iriji represents for a hotel to host it as they ask, if hotel is an autonomous community with Eze and Onye isi Ala?
Traditionalists also believe that when the gods protest against an event, it can be seen various occuramces and
interpreted in various ways depending on the context and occurance.
In some cultures, natural disasters or unexpected events might be seen as a sign of divine displeasure as seen in the occurance at the Protea Hotel New Yam Festival with the heavy rain that disrupted the event to two hours later .it was viewed by stakeholders in the traditional circle as a protest from the gods, especially given the cultural significance of the festival.
Observers in their diverse interpretation were of view that the New Yam Festival is an important cultural event for the Igbo people, and any disruptions might be seen as a sign of divine displeasure or a message to correct certain actions or behaviours.
Some interpreted the heavy rain as a warning from the gods over possible abuse of traditions and values associated with the culture as seen in presentation of stew with roasted yam.
Another clear aspect of the Festival seen as abuse of Igbo culture was the presentation of the roasted yam with stew in together with other local source.
Traditionalists questioned what stew an English delicacy is doing on the table where Iriji festival is been traditionally celebrated.
The presentation of three tubers of roasted yam instead of four as required by Igbo culture was also seen as abuse of the culture and tradition of Igbo land in respect of Iriji festival.
Abuse of culture is seen in disrespect, misuse, misinterpretation and misrepresentation of cultural practices, traditions and symbols for personal,political or economic gains
Using cultural symbols and practices without understanding or respecting their significance, manipulating cultural traditions for personal,political or economic gains with total disrespect for cultural practices, identity and heritage as seen in the activities of iriji Protea Hotel.
Following the manner the heavy rain that started at the peak of commencement of the event, it started about two hours behind the stipulated time, stakeholders and traditionalists expressed believe it was a clear protest from the gods of the land.
