The Obi of Onitsha, Anambra state, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, on Saturday marked his 20th coronation, “Ofala”, as the traditional ruler of Onitsha ancient town with a call on Igbo people to uphold their culture.
The ceremony was held at Imeobi, Onitsha Town, and attended by many dignitaries including the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Nonye.
Others are Gov. Ifeany Okowa of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and many national assembly and state assembly members.
Gov. Soludo, who spoke at the colourful event, congratulated Achebe for a successful celebration and his leadership roles in Anambra, South-East and Nigeria.
The governor who praised the people of Onitsha for their rich cultural heritage, advised other communities to uphold the rich culture of honesty, hardworking and perseverance.
Soludo advised the people against all forms of negative lifestyle which the ancient Igbo communities abhorred.
He used the medium to hint that the state government will soon rehabilitate the dilapidated roads in Onitsha to revive huge commercial activities in the town.
In his address, Igwe Achebe said he was happy to mark his 20 coronation anniversary and recalled the bumpy path to his enthronement.
Achebe, however, said that the ancient town of Onitsha is more united and together since he took over the throne.
He also spoke on the state of affairs in the state and nation and appealed to government to do more in some critical sectors.
“The biggest challenge of the nation today is insecurity which affects most parts of the country and disrupts every aspect of our public and private lives.
“The inability of farmers to harvest their crops due to terrorists, and the conflicts between farmers and cattle herders are causing serious food inflation,” he said.
Achebe said the 2022 Ofala was marked publicly after the lo-key celebrations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s Ofala was significant in two ways, namely: the return of the festival in full form and the usual display of Royal dances, tributes, parades, music and other activities,” he said.
Igwe Achebe praised Gov. Soludo for his first steps and his care so far on Onitsha, but lamented that the federal government should do more to engender unity among Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that the start of political activities, especially the emergence of the Labour Party which he said created ‘the Third Force Movement’ as a political pressure group, will redefine politics and governance in the country”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Achebe was crowned on May 14, 2002 and had since been holding his annual Ofala in line with the culture of the community.
Gov. Okowa who was represented by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, a chieftain of the PDP, said that Onitsha and Asaba are good neighbours only divided by the River Niger.
The vice presidential candidate said he was impressed with the rich culture of Onitsha and called on Nigerians to help sustain their heritage. (NAN)
