Pictures From Igbo Monarch Obi Of Onitsha's Ofala Festival In Anambra State

 

The Ofala Festival, is an annual ceremony practiced by the indigenes of Onitsha, and of recent years by other neighboring Igbo communities such as Nnewi in Anambra State, SouthEastern Nigeria and Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area.It serves as a rites of renewal of the king or Obi and it is similar to the Igue festival in Benin and the Ine , Osi or Ogbanigbe Festival in many mid-West Igbo communities of Nigeria. The term ofala, is derived from two Igbo words - ofo (English: authority) and ala (English: land). The festival is celebrated within two days mostly in October by the Obi of Onitsha who happens to be the most powerful king in the Eastern part of the country.

The current Obi Of Onitsha is Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe who uses the opportunity of the age long celebration to honour some well meaning Nigerians.In the last few years,the likes of Mike Adenuga,ex President Goodluck Jonathan among so many other eminent Nigerians have been honoured at this festival.The 2016 edition of the ofala festival held few days ago and had the likes of Anambra state governor Willie Obiano among others in attendance.Below are some colourful pictures from the festival.