Oy'ala K'Owoicho

When the choir begins "Oy'ala K'Owoicho," the atmosphere in the church naturally shifts to one of quiet reverence. This is the Agnus Dei—the Lamb of God—set in the Idoma language by C. D. Okorie. Sung during the breaking of the bread, it serves as the final litany before the congregation approaches the altar for Communion.

Okorie’s arrangement captures the gentle, pleading nature of this part of the Mass. Marked Andante, the music moves at a steady, walking pace, allowing the choir's voices to blend smoothly without rushing the prayer. The sopranos lead the invocation, "Oy'ala k'Owoicho no kwoya biya keche wu" (Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world), followed by the repeated, harmonic petition "menyi nyalo" (have mercy on us).

As the piece progresses to its final section, the text changes to "jebo lalo," asking God to grant us peace. Hearing this universal liturgical prayer sung in Idoma brings the mystery of the Eucharist closer to home for the local faithful. It is a deeply grounding piece for a choir to sing, offering a moment of stillness and spiritual preparation before receiving the sacrament.