The ancient city of Onitsha came alive yesterday with colour, music, and royal splendour as His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (CFR), the Obi of Onitsha, celebrated his 23rd year on the throne during the grand 2025 Ofala Festival.
The Ofala Festival is one of the most respected traditional events in Igboland. It is a celebration of royalty, culture, and community unity. It marks the end of a year in the Igwe’s reign and the beginning of another. It is also a time for the people of Onitsha to renew their loyalty to the throne and give thanks to God and their ancestors for peace and progress.
The Obi, looking radiant in his rich royal attire and traditional coral beads, stepped out to greet his people amid thunderous cheers. His graceful dance steps, accompanied by traditional drums and flutes, filled the palace grounds with joy and admiration. The crowd erupted in applause as the royal father displayed his agility and warmth, a symbol of connection between the throne and the people.
Visitors from within Nigeria and across the world gathered at the Ime Obi Palace to witness the beauty and pageantry of the Ofala. Cultural troupes entertained the audience with dances, songs, and masquerade displays that reflected the deep cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the Onitsha people. The festival ground was a sea of colour — with men and women elegantly dressed in George wrappers, red caps, and vibrant isiagu outfits.
The Ofala is more than just a festival; it is a living expression of Onitsha’s royal tradition, one that has been preserved and passed down for generations. It symbolizes renewal, thanksgiving, and the strong bond between the monarch and his subjects. It also serves as a platform for promoting unity, tourism, and cultural identity within the larger Igbo nation.
In his 23 years as Obi, Igwe Alfred Achebe has earned widespread respect for his wisdom, humility, and leadership. Under his reign, Onitsha has continued to thrive as a center of commerce, tradition, and education in Eastern Nigeria. His Majesty’s presence at the Ofala, dancing with joy and interacting warmly with his people, showed not only the strength of his reign but also his deep love for his culture and community.
As the sun set over the River Niger, the festival came to a close with prayers for peace, progress, and continuity of the Onitsha Kingdom. The 2025 Ofala Festival will be remembered as yet another beautiful chapter in the long and colourful history of a proud and royal people. Meanwhile, today is day 2 and the final day of the event. Watch out for more reports on this.
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