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Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, is set to celebrate the Ofala festival from October 22 to 23 at Ime Obi Onitsha, Anambra State.
This was made known in a statement by the Ofala Steering Committee overweekend, said that the festival, which would also mark the Obi’s 20th year on the throne, is a celebration of the Monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, a period when he negotiates the fortunes of the kingdom.
“All is set for 2022 Ofala of His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha. The celebration to be held at Ime Obi Onitsha will span two days – Iru Ofala on October 22 and the Azu Ofala on October 23,” the statement reads.
“His Majesty will also be using the occasion of the Ofala to commemorate with thanksgiving his 20th anniversary as Monarch. He ascended the throne of Eze Chima 20 years ago on May 14, 2002, which coincidentally was his 61st birthday.
“The Ofala is the high point of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. The Obi of Onitsha is the celebrant of this spectacle which is rooted in deep spirituality. The Ofala is an occasion for the Monarch to fulfill certain obligations.
“It is primarily a celebration by the Monarch and his subjects of the Monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period the Obi of Onitsha has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. It is also a re-enactment of the joy which the Obi of Onitsha shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food.”
Chief Dr. Okey Mike Areh, the Onya Ozoma of Onitsha and the Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, said: “The Onicha Ado N’Idu Community is looking forward to celebrating the 2022 Ofala in the normal way after two years in which the Covid19 Pandemic has meant that the ceremonies have had to hold devoid of the usual fanfare.
“We shall now move on with the process of getting the Ofala, to attain the status of a major event in the Nigerian, and by extension in the West African cultural/tourism calendar.”
The Onya Ozoma of Onitsha said that Globacom has been partnering with the Onitsha Traditional Council since 2011, adding that the relationship between these bodies and the Onitsha Community has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of the Ofala.
According to him, many dignitaries were expected to grace the event including various State Governors and candidates of various political parties.
The Globacom Regional Sales Manager, Enugu, Mr. Michael Ehumadu said “We are greatly delighted to be part of this year’s Ofala Festival celebration, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from holding the festival in 2020 and 2021.”
According to him, since the company signed the Memorandum of Understanding to be the major sponsor of the prestigious event in 2011, it had always looked forward to partnering with the Palace and the Festival Planning Committee to ensure each year’s edition outstrips the previous years in grandeur and style.
“This is not just because of our commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage, but it is also driven by our belief in the huge potentials of Ofala and other important festivals in boosting our tourism and travel industry,” he said.
The Globacom will also feature Royal Banquet in honour of the Obi of Onitsha on Wednesday, October 26 and will be empowering the people of Onitsha with gifts and lucky subscribers will have an opportunity to win two tricycles, five sewing machines and five grinding mills in a special Ofala promo.
