Obi of Onitsha Ofala: S’east Governors, Traditional Rulers, Others to Attend Achebe’ 20th Coronation Anniversary

By Praise Chinecherem

Governors of the five Southeast states, traditional and religious leaders are expected to attend the 2022 edition of Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe’s Ofala festival.

The event also marks the 20th anniversary celebration of his ascendancy to the throne.

Over 120 artists were also expected to display their different art works, with hundred of youths embarking on carnival procession round the town.

Chairman of the Ofala Steering committee, Chief Okey Areh, who made the disclosure to newsmen in Onitsha, said the two-day events scheduled for October 22-23, were jointly being sponsored by Globacom and International Breweries Plc.

He said, “His Majesty will be using the occasion of the Ofala to commemorate with thanksgiving his 20th anniversary as monarch. He ascended the throne of Ezechima 20 years ago on May 14, 2002, which coincidentally was his 61st birthday.

“We will be empowering the people of Onitsha with gifts that will impact their lives. Lucky subscribers will have an opportunity to win two “Keke” tricycles, five sewing machines and five grinding mills in our special Ofala promo.

“It is also an avenue for multi-talented and well-established artists from various parts of the world to exhibit their works. At least 120 artists will be exhibiting their works at Oreze VIII.”

Describing Ofala as high point of Onitsha ceremonial cycle rooted in deep spirituality, Areh assured adequate security arrangements had been put in place to guarantee a hitchfree festival.

“The Ofala is an occasion for the monarch to fulfil certain obligations. It is primarily a celebration by the monarch and his subjects of the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion.

“It is also a re-enactment of the joy which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food,” he added.

Highpoint of the ocasion was signing of  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Globacom/International Breweries Plc, and Onitsha Traditional Council for successful outing.

Globacom Regional Manager Southeast, Michael Ehumadu, and Plant Manager, International Breweries PLC, Fidelis Igwe signed on behalf of the two firms, while Chief Areh, signed on behalf of Onitsha community.

Reacting, Ehumadu thanked Igwe Achebe, Royal Chiefs and the Steering Committee for the opportunity to be part of this legendary festival, expressing confidence of a successful outing.

“Since we signed the Memorandum of Understanding to be the major sponsor of this prestigious event in 2011, we have 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 added.