For a week, the royal palace descends into a sacred silence. Behind closed doors, the “King of Onitsha” becomes invisible as he continues to commune with the ancestors and negotiate his people’s fortunes.
However, the first rhythmic thud of the Egwu Ota – the ancient royal war drums – reverberates through the Eze Chima Square, shattering that silence and ending the seclusion called “Inye Ukwu n’Nlo Eze.”
Then, Ndichie (the council of red-cap chiefs), dressed in crimson caps and white robes, surges forward, parting only when a bronze sword catches the afternoon sun. That signals the arrival of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
This grand entry marks the climax of the Ofala Festival, a 500-year-old cultural event celebrated by the Onitsha people of Anambra State. It is a rite of renewal for the Obi and a renewal of bonds between the throne and king and the people of Onitsha. Here, the Obi presents himself to the people after a time of seclusion and spiritual cleansing to show he is alive, healthy, and still has the mandate to lead his people.
As the Obi of Onitsha steps into the square, he performs three rhythmic dances before his people – a move that indicates prosperity, stability, and continuity of the land for another native calendar year.
But the 2026 edition, celebrated in October like other years, marked a historic milestone for Onitsha people: it was the 25th Ofala Festival in the reign of Igwe Achebe.
The year’s celebration came with the theme, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” (Strive and Advance) and was a colourful event that recreated the rich heritage of the Onitsha people.
As dignitaries, hundreds of visitors gathered at the Ezechima Square; the Onitsha high chiefs swayed in their full ceremonial regalia, showcasing the traditional Egwu Ota dance and their loyalty to the Obi of Onitsha.
“In the olden days, these high chiefs were the warriors we had in our villages,” the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Edward Ibuzoh, said after watching them charm the crowd with their dance steps.
“These are the people that represent the village, and that is why every Ofala, they come with their people… to pay homage to the Agbogidi—to tell him that they are strong and vibrant, willing, and ready to serve.”
For the Senator representing Anambra North, Tony Nwoye, the event, which coincides with Igwe Achebe’s 25 years on the throne, is a testament to the king’s leadership.
“The Igwe has done his best to bring Igbo across the world to be together,” Nwoye said, “and he has done his best to bring about the development of infrastructure in Onitsha. That is why we respect him.”
The Ofala Festival has a cross-continental pull. For the 2026 edition, American scholar and author, Professor Richard Henderson, was seated among the dignitaries.
Henderson, the author of The King in Every Man, travelled about 12,194 kilometres from Tucson, Arizona, to experience the festivities 60 years after his first research visit in the 1960s.
“I am astonished at how elaborate it has become—richer and more vital than it was,” Henderson said. “It was the most amazing culture I had encountered, which is why I spent so much time writing it up. But now, it has become even more exciting and glorious.”
Like other editions, the 2026 Ofala Festival offered more than a celebratory value. As the moral compass of the Onitsha community and one of the most respected monarchs in the country, when the Obi stood on the podium, his message transcended the immediate community.
Addressing the nation, he asked President Bola Tinubu to resolve the worsening economic hardships in Nigeria.
“Let me briefly mention the hardship and insecurity that have worsened steadily in the country,” the Obi said. “We join in prayer that the government will take urgent measures to alleviate the pain of ordinary citizens caused by the macroeconomic measures being pursued.”
With the 2027 elections months away, he also asked residents of the South-East region, which includes Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states, to shun voter apathy.
“Still on the national elections, I call on the people of the South-East States to shake off their historical apathy towards elections,” the 85-year-old told the gathering. “We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalisation. In democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates”.
With over 500 years of history, the Ofala remains a vital celebration of Onitsha’s royal heritage, preserving cultural identity and uniting residents, visitors, and admirers worldwide.
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