The Bonny Chiefs’ Council has issued a public advisory urging indigenes and residents of Bonny Kingdom to celebrate the upcoming Christmas festivities with respect, dignity, and adherence to cultural traditions. 

In a statement dated December 6, 2024, and signed by the Council’s Chairman, Se-Alabo Dagogo Soala Claude Wilcox, the traditional authority expressed concern over the disruptive practice of waterplay, the splashing and throwing of sachet water during the holiday season. 

The Council described the act as unacceptable and contrary to the values of Bonny Kingdom, emphasizing that celebrations should promote unity and joy without causing discomfort or disorder. 

“Let us celebrate in a manner that reflects our rich cultural heritage and values, by engaging in activities that promote unity and joy within our Kingdom,”

Residents are reminded of the need to maintain public peace and decency, ensuring that the festivities remain memorable for all the right reasons. 

The Council extended warm season’s greetings to the people of Bonny Kingdom, wishing everyone a merry Christmas while encouraging responsible celebrations that uphold the community’s cherished traditions.

The statement is reproduced below:

“PUBLIC PEACE AND SEASONS GREETINGS WATERPLAY DURING CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

“We bring you season’s greetings.

“As we approach the joyous Christmas festivities, we would like to remind all indigenes and residents of the importance of maintaining decency and public order during this celebratory season. Indigenes and residents are urged to celebrate responsibly and respect the traditions of Bonny Kingdom.

Let us celebrate in a manner that reflects our rich cultural heritage and values, by engaging in activities that promote unity and joy within our Kingdom. Therefore, it is essential to conduct ourselves with dignity and respect towards one another. This includes being mindful of our actions and their impact on others.

For this reason, the Council has deemed it necessary to issue this stern warning to all indigenes and residents of Bonny Kingdom against engaging in the so-called waterplay. The splashing and throwing of sachet water against one another in the name of ‘waterplay’ during Christmas festivities in Bonny is unacceptable.

The Bonny Chiefs’ Council encourages all indigenes and residents of Bonny to embrace the true spirit of Christmas by celebrating responsibly and upholding the traditions that bind us together as a Kingdom. Let us make this festive season memorable for all the right reasons.”