Arrangements for 2024 Ofala festival underway

– Traditional Council highlights schedule of events

Onitsha, May 27, 2024: The Onitsha Traditional Council has provided further information on the schedule of events in connection with the 2024 Ofala festival of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha. A statement by the council, which was signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Ike Akatakwuani/ Chief of Staff noted that although the 2024 Onicha Ado N’Idu Ceremonial Cycle, which was announced on the occasion of the 2023 Ofala, states the dates for the various events, it becomes necessary to draw attention to the schedule for the Ofala as arrangements for the Ofala gets underway,

The dates for the events as stated in the ceremonial calendar leading up to the Ofala and immediately after:

1. Thursday, 10 October: Inyedo Ukwu na Nlo Eze Onicha.
2. Sunday, 13 October: Ogbalido
3. Monday, 14 October: Inyepu Ukwu na Nlo
4. Tuesday, 15 October: Traditional Ofala Day
5. Wednesday, 16 October: Traditional Azu Ofala Day
6. Friday, 18 October: Ceremonial Ofala Day
7. Saturday, 19 October: Ceremonial Azu Ofala Day
8. Sunday, 20 October: Iwaji Ikolo Ikpala Eze
9. Monday, 21 October: Iwaji Ikpala Eze

About the Ofala

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 monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. The Ofala is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food.

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