Amanze Chinonye
When the royal cannons thunder over the River Niger and Onitsha’s skyline comes alive with the colours of regal procession, it can only mean one thing the Ofala Festival has begun.
Far more than a royal pageant, it is a sacred moment of reflection, renewal, and thanksgiving under the leadership of His Majesty, Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, a monarch whose reign has redefined the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance.
Observed every October, the Ofala remains one of the most revered traditional celebrations in Nigeria’s South East. It marks the culmination of the monarch’s weeklong seclusion, a sacred period during which he is believed to commune with the ancestors on behalf of his people negotiating their fortunes, prosperity, and peace. His re-emergence to the public signals renewal and divine reaffirmation, marked by elaborate dances, parades, and jubilation.
“The Ofala is the high point of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle,” explained Chief Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of the Ofala Festival Committee and head of its strategic marketing and communications team, in an Exclusive interview with Prime Business Africa. “It’s more than a festival; it’s an epoch.
During his seclusion, the Obi negotiates the fortunes of the community with the ancestors. His emergence is a time of thanksgiving and joy.”
Rooted in History and Symbolism
Beyond its ritual essence, the Ofala also serves as a celebration of Onitsha’s heritage and communal identity. Historically, it commemorates the introduction of yam to the Onicha Ado N’Idu kingdom a symbolic moment of adaptation and renewal.
“Most people don’t realise yam isn’t indigenous to us,” Maduegbuna said. “When it was first introduced, people hesitated to eat it. The monarch’s diviners tasted it first, and when there were no adverse effects, the people rejoiced. That spirit of renewal still defines Ofala today.”
During a media briefing at the Obi’s palace, Maduegbuna described the Ofala as “a celebration of the rich heritage of the Onicha Ado N’Idu kingdom, showcasing royal dances, tributes, parades, and music.” He added that since 2019, the organising committee has pursued a clear vision “to elevate the Ofala Festival into a major cultural event in Nigeria, West Africa, and globally.”
Preserving Tradition, Embracing Modernity
While its core rituals remain untouched, the Ofala has evolved under the stewardship of Obi Achebe to reflect modern realities. Maduegbuna emphasised that this evolution has been carefully guided to preserve its authenticity.
“The culture is sacrosanct; nothing about the tradition changes,” he said. “The only adjustment we make is scheduling the public celebration for weekends so more guests and visitors can attend. The actual rites still follow our native calendar.”
In recent years, the festival’s calendar has expanded to include the Ofala Lecture Series, Health and Wealth Drive, Ofala Youth Carnival, and the Orezu Art Exhibition all designed to bridge tradition with contemporary relevance.
The youth carnival, inspired by Igba Ilu, an ancient Onitsha practice celebrating youth creativity, draws participants from across the South East. “These additions give the festival contemporary relevance without altering its foundation,” Maduegbuna noted. “They also provide platforms for younger generations to connect with their heritage.”
Cultural Economy and Community Spirit
The festival’s growth has had a tangible impact on Onitsha’s economy. Each year, the Ofala attracts thousands of visitors, boosting local commerce, transportation, hospitality, and tourism.
“During the Ofala, hotels are fully booked and the hospitality sector receives a major boost,” Maduegbuna said. “Even without exact figures, it’s evident that the festival drives significant economic activity in the city.”
Behind the scenes, the celebration represents months of planning and collaboration. The Ofala Steering Committee, composed entirely of volunteers, coordinates logistics, finance, communications, protocol, and catering.
“It’s a major operation,” he said. “No one is paid; it’s a community effort. Onitsha people, at home and abroad, contribute their time and resources to ensure success.”
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Leadership, Legacy, and Vision
Much of the Ofala’s renaissance is credited to the transformative leadership of Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, whose modern vision has elevated the celebration into an internationally recognised cultural brand.
“His Majesty has transformed it from what it used to be a purely kingly affair into a global event,” Maduegbuna observed. “It now attracts dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and media attention from beyond Nigeria.”
Each year, the festival adopts a central theme reflecting current social realities. The 2025 edition, themed “Njiko na Ntachi” meaning Strengthening Unity and Perseverance underscores the importance of community and resilience in challenging times.
By embracing this theme, the festival aims to:
- Foster unity by promoting collective purpose and belonging.
- Encourage resilience, inspiring individuals to draw strength from cultural heritage.
- Uphold enduring communal values, preserving the moral and social compass of Onitsha society.
Moments That Define Ofala
For many participants, the most profound moment of the festival remains the monarch’s emergence from seclusion a moment of spiritual renewal and continuity. The sight of the Obi, resplendent in traditional regalia, surrounded by chiefs and titled men, evokes deep emotion and pride among the people.
“The first appearance of the Obi is always special,” Maduegbuna reflected. “It represents continuity and divine connection. The public Ofala, when His Majesty delivers his annual message, is equally important; he uses that platform to speak on the economy, unity, and the well-being of the people.”
A Living Heritage
Today, the Ofala Festival stands as a living bridge between past and present a celebration of identity, leadership, and collective spirit. It has become both a cultural emblem of the Igbo nation and a model of how tradition can evolve without losing its essence.
As the drums quiet and the dancers retire, the spirit of Ofala endures a timeless reminder that culture, when preserved and renewed with purpose, remains not just a reflection of the past, but a promise for the future.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
