Onitsha agog as Igwe Achebe celebrates Ofala, 20years coronation

‘Igwe Achebe will use the occasion to commemorate with thanksgiving his 20th anniversary as monarch’

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe would next week mark 20th year anniversary celebration of his ascendancy to the throne.

The monarch, who doubles as the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council would also celebrate the 2022 Ofala festival which has become annual event.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday, Chief Okey Areh, said the two-day events scheduled to hold on Friday, October 22-23, were jointly being sponsored by Globacom and International Breweries Plc.

He said Southeast governors, former and serving ministers and candidates of various political parties are expected to grace the occasion.

He said the Ofala festival would offer the monarch opportunity to fulfil certain obligations, including successful negotiating the fortunes of the kingdom. 

He said, “His Majesty will also 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.

“The Ofala is the high point of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. The Obi of Onitsha is the celebrant of this spectacle which is rooted in deep spirituality. 

“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, during which period the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. 

“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.

Regional Manager Southeast, Globacom, Michael 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.”

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