For the first time in many years, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has cancelled his annual Christmas Cantata festival.
Ihedioha, PDP, the winner of the 2019 Imo Governorship Election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was swept out of office, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, after just eight months into his four year-tenure. Senator Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was, instead, declared duly elected.
Ihedioha usually held the very-well attended Cantata in his country home at Mbutu, Mbaise.
But 2023 has turned out differently as Ihedioha has cancelled the event.
In a statement which he personally signed, Ihedioha said he was cancelling the 2023 festival to observe the traditional mourning period of his mother, Dame Dorothy Nmesoma Ihedioha, who passed on in 2022, after consultation with his immediate family.
Following is the full text of the statement.
RE: 2023 CHRISTMAS CANTATA/FESTIVAL OF SONGS
“Compliments of the Season!
“We wish to notify our friends, well wishers and the public that this year’s Annual Cantata/Festival of Songs will not hold.
“The Ihedioha family reached this decision, in deference to the mourning period of our Matriarch, Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha who transited on April 20, 2023 at the age of 90 years.
“The inconvenience for those who are looking forward to the renditions and fanfare associated with the event, is however, regretted.
“By Gods grace, we shall continue with the festival of songs in the year 2024.
“Once more, my family wishes to express profound gratitude for your immeasurable love, support and prayers, particularly during the final rites of our Matriarch.
“We wish you a merry Christmas and more prosperous 2024 in advance.
“Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, Omenkeahuruanya.”
