The commercial city of Onitsha came to a standstill this week as the traditional ruler of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, celebrated the revered Ofala 2025 festival and carnival.
The Onitsha Ofala 2025, themed ” Njiko na Ntachi,” started from October 7th and is slated to end on November 2, featuring sacred rites for the traditional ruler of Onitsha, the new yam festival, or the “Owuwaji,” in Igbo language, and a host of Igbo culture-themed events carried out by all age demographics in Onitsha.
The Ofala event is categorized into two significant chapters. The Iru Ofala was held on October 17, and the Azu Ofala was held on October 18, alongside other cultural workshops scheduled for that day.
Corporate giants like Globacom, Guinness Nigeria, Zenith Bank, International Breweries, and NigerBev sponsored the event. The event was amplified by media partners like THISDAY/Arise TV, Afia TV/Radio, and Pop Central TV. Online engagement was facilitated through a custom-made Ofala mobile app designed for the event.
Dignitaries attending the events include titled chiefs like Chuka Oboli and Chief Chuma Umunna, National Council for Arts and Culture officials, and corporate leaders from sponsoring firms.
Cabinet members to the Onitsha traditional ruler, like Chief Engr Joseph Ononye, Chief Albert Okechukwu Ibekwe, Chief Dr Okechukwu Mike Areh, and Chief Ambassador Obiora Erokwu, were present at the event.
The first class chiefs serve as the King’s cabinet, steering political leadership and guiding kingdom-wide governance.
Reactions
Netizens reacting to the event took over social media, sharing their thoughts on the cultural event and what it meant to them. Using the hashtag #Ofala2025, attendees of the event shared their experience with photos from the event.
” If you’ll be passing through Awka Road today, get ready for a long ride — the traffic will be really heavy due to the Ofala festival. Use alternative routes if possible,” Anita Anyam said, sharing photos of the traditional ruler.
” Onitsha Amaka. Obodo oma eji Eko, ala Onitsha ado. Ofala Youth Carnival, come and showcase our custom heritage.” Umeozor shared on X.
” In the land where the Niger kisses the ancient red earth, the drums have begun to speak again—deep, proud, and timeless. Today, Onicha Ado stands tall to celebrate an extraordinary king on his 23rd Ofala festival— the one whom the cap truly fits. Long live the King!” Paschaline shared on X, reacting to the colourful event
The ongoing cultural festival is indeed a colourful affair, upholding the ancient traditions of Onitsha as it transitions into a modern commercial city with an urban demographic.
