Ofala festival was a colorful display of art and culture at the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemaka Alfred Achebe as he celebrated the festival after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 Ofala Festival coincided with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Achebe’s ascent to the throne of Ezechima.
He became king on 14 May 2002 which was his 61st birthday.
‘’Thus, I have chosen to formally mark this milestone anniversary with the 2022 Ofala Festival as the pedestal for thanksgiving and celebration.
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“This milestone provides an opportunity for some reflection,” he said.
In attendance were the Anambra state governor, Chukuma Soludo, Senator Ben Obi, traditional rulers, the Ndichie, top government officials, and illustrious sons and daughters of Onitsha. The festival also attracted various , technocrats, from the state and beyond, top government functionaries, political stalwarts among other dignitaries.
The Ofala festival is an annual event performed by the igbo people of south-eastern Nigeria; particularly indigenes of Onitsha, Nnewi, Umueri,Umuoji, Aguleri and Ukpo.
The festival marks the end of a period of retreat called “Inye Ukwu na Nlo” when the Obi remains in isolation and undergoes spiritual purification for the good of the community. At the end of the week-long retreat, the Igwe emerges during the Ofala to bless his subjects and say prayers for the community. Everybody knows the Igbo people don’t joke with their cultural celebrations and Ofala festival is enough proof of that.
See photos below:
