Anambra guber candidates Ukachukwu, Chukwuma celebrate 2025 Ofala festival with Igwe Achebe, Onitsha people

By Sunny A. David, Onitsha

Two leading candidates in the upcoming November 8 Anambra Governorship Election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) joined the people of Onitsha on Friday to celebrate the 2025 Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

Held at the historic Ime Obi Palace in Onitsha North Local Government Area, the 25th Ofala of Igwe Achebe was marked by rich displays of culture, pageantry, and reverence, as the monarch, also known as Agbogidi, made his ceremonial appearance before his subjects and guests.

Prince Ukachukwu, accompanied by supporters and party faithful, paid homage to the revered traditional ruler and later mingled with titled Chiefs, members of the Otu Odu women group, and the Agbalanze society all elegantly adorned in traditional white regalia and beads.

He described Igwe Achebe as a “pride of the Igbo nation” and commended his legacy of preserving Onitsha’s customs and traditions.

Outside the palace, jubilant crowds chanted praises and hailed Ukachukwu as the “coming emancipator,” expressing hopes that he would rescue Anambra from what they described as poor governance and oppressive tax regimes.

Corporate sponsors such as GLO, Hero Lager, and Trophy Beer added to the festivities with branded displays, while masquerade dancers and musical troupes thrilled spectators along the streets from Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) to Father Tansi Memorial Seminary.

Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Chukwuma, in a goodwill message, congratulated the Obi and the people of Onitsha on the successful celebration of the 24th Ofala Festival, describing the Monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and visionary leadership. Chukwuma highlighted the significance of the festival beyond its cultural grandeur, calling it a reaffirmation of unity, identity, and heritage.

“Onitsha under the reign of His Majesty has remained a beacon of progress, culture, and enlightenment across Anambra and Igboland,” he said. “As a proud son and your incoming Governor, I celebrate this heritage that binds us in pride and purpose.”

Both candidates wished the Monarch long life and continued strength to lead the ancient kingdom with dignity and wisdom. Their presence and participation at the festival not only underlined the cultural importance of Ofala but also reflected the growing political attention on the ancient city ahead of the State’s crucial gubernatorial election.

The Ofala Festival remains a central part of Onitsha’s identity a time when the king reaffirms his bond with the people and receives their homage in return for blessings and prayers for prosperity. Under Igwe Achebe’s 24-year reign, it continues to thrive as a symbol of unity and continuity in the ancient kingdom.