With Ofala Festival, Obi Of Onitsha Rekindles Cultural Heritage
Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria’s Eastern zone, is in a celebration mood as the ancient town plays host to people from across the country and beyond. This is as the paramount ruler of the town, Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), celebrates Ofala Festival, a re-enactment of the cultural heritage of the people.
Historically, Ofala Festival commemorates the monarch’s emergence from a revered annual spiritual seclusion period, a rite that symbolises renewal, protection, and prosperity for the kingdom.
This emergence is also a reenactment of the discovery that yam, a staple food, is not toxic but a life-sustaining gift, a theme resonant with resilience and gratitude. Ime-Obi, which is the traditional palace and ground for the festival, now wears a new and colourful looks as it welcomes people to felicitate and celebrate with the Obi on this auspicious occasion.
The rich cultural heritage of the people will be on display between today and tomorrow (October 17 and 18, 2025) as the Palace of the Obi is turned into a theatre of celebration, with the staging of Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala: The high points of the festival, featuring the monarch’s parade and dance, as well as elaborate displays by age-grade societies in colorful uniforms.