The annual Ofala Festival of Onitsha in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria was concluded on Saturday with rhythmic beat of traditional drums, the sound of ceremonial music and the chants of praise singers that heralded the arrival of dignitaries, Chiefs, titled men and women and various groups at the Ime-Obi, the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, to mark the ceremony.
Their colourful outfits, distinctive to their respective chiefdoms, added to the spectacle. It was a display of tradition, identity and allegiance, with each entourage bringing its own unique character to the gathering.
Before long, the mini stadium within the Ime-Obi was filled to capacity. The excitement extended beyond the immediate venue, as people gathered in groups around the surrounding areas, eating, drinking, exchanging greetings and enjoying the festivities.
Men, women and youths, many dressed in colourful uniforms representing their various groups, added to the lively atmosphere. Conversations mingled with the sounds of drums and traditional songs, while the anticipation of the Obi’s appearance continued to build.
As Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, emerged in his royal splendour, the atmosphere changed almost instantly.
A deafening roar of excitement rose from the crowd. People cheered, sang and chanted in praise of their monarch, while the sound of traditional music grew louder to welcome him.
Having gone into seclusion ahead of the festival to seek the face of the gods of the land on behalf of the Onitsha people, his appearance marked a significant moment in the celebration.
Addressing his subjects and guests at the occasion, His Royal Majesty Alfred Achebe, appealed to the people of the South East of Nigeria to participate actively in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
In his speech at the closing ceremony of the two-day 2026 Annual Ofala Festival on Saturday, Achebe stated that the people of the South East have the responsibility to exercise their franchise as citizens of Nigeria by actively participating in the elections to choose their leaders.
“As Nigeria prepares to go to the polls in 2027, all eyes are on INEC to deliver a free and fair elections.
“I therefore call on the people of the South East States to shake off their historical apathy towards election.
“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,” Achebe said.
The Royal Father also called on all Nigerians to rise up and make good use of the opportunity provided by the upcoming 2027 election to participate actively in the political affairs of Nigeria.
He said that democratic elections were opportunities for the electorate to select the candidates that would deliver the best governance.
According to him, it is imperative for non-partisan stakeholders, including the traditional and religious institutions, town unions and the civil society to intensify their advocacy, mobilization and enlightenment for a free and fair elections.
The monarch urged all the political parties to abhor violence and engage in healthy, issue-based campaigns to enable the electorate make the right choices.
On the significance of the Ofala festival, the Royal Father explained that the 2026 festival marked the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
“This year Ofala festival, with the theme, “Igba mbo, Iga n’ iru,- Strive and Advance”, marks a celebration with thankfulness to God for bringing the people of Onitsha together in peace and good health.
“This is the period of our annual rituals of gratitude to God for blessings received, atonement for our shortcomings, and supplication for sustained peace and development in our kingdom,” Achebe said.
Local media reports said that the two-day cultural festival featured a colourful display of the rich traditional and cultural heritage of the people of Onitsha.
The ceremony was attended by eminent traditional rulers from within and outside the state, prominent Onitsha sons and daughters, both at home and in diaspora and notable politicians from Anambra State.
GIK/APA