Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha begins seclusion tomorrow, to commune with ancestors

As part of the activities lined up for the 2026 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra state, HRM, Igwe  Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the monarch will go into seclusion, (incommunicado) for the Igbo market days of Orie, Afor, Nkwo and Eke which will commence from 7 October.

This disclosure was made by the Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr)   Okechukwu Mike Areh, (Onya Ozoma who stated that this 25th festival, themed, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru,” Strive and Advance. From Resilience to Progress, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Ofala from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for collective progress for Ndi Onicha.

He disclosed further that “The 2026 Festival is proudly supported by Globacom and Orijin as official sponsors, and Arise News, THISDAY, Afia TV, Afia Radio, and Udala FM as

Official Media Partners.

According to him the 2026 theme builds on last year’s Njiko na Ntachi, Unity and Resilience.

“For over 500 years, Ndi Onicha have shown igba mbo, resilience. Through every challenge we endured, adapted, and rose again. In 2026, we move forward to iga n’iru, deliberate progress. This is our charge: strive in your  craft, advance your community. Let personal effort build our Kingdom,” Chief Areh said.

He listed the 2026 Ofala programme to include, Inye Ukwu n’Nlo Eze Onicha, billed for Wednesday, October 7, 2026,the annual seclusion of the Obi of Onitsha, the most sacred and private moment in the Ofala ceremonial cycle.

“For the following native week: Oye, Afor, Nkwo, and Eke, the monarch is Incommunicado as he negotiates the fortunes of the kingdom with the

ancestors.(Eke).

“Ogbalido: Saturday, October 10, 2026, a feast of atonement for brave men, particularly Ndichie and big game hunters. It signals the final countdown to Ofala and is the formal announcement of public festivities.(Nkwo), Inyepu Ukwu n’Nlo Eze Onicha.

“Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Obi’s ceremonial emergence from spiritual seclusion after successfully negotiating the fortunes of the kingdom. This sacred rite marks the end of the Umato period and the Obi’s return to his People.(Eke).

“Medical health and well-being community outreach on Monday, October 12 – Thursday, October 15, 2026, a community-focused health initiative offering medical screenings, health education, and well-being services.

“Oreze art exhibition on Tuesday, October 13 – Sunday, October 18, 2026, an international art exhibition showcasing contemporary and traditional works. Oreze positions Onitsha as a hub for culture, creativity, and dialogue.

“Youth carnival,Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, fashion, and talent by Onitsha youth, drawing from the traditional igbo ilo.

“Iru Ofala, Friday, October 16, 2026, the highpoint of the Ofala Festival. The Obi makes his first public appearance after seclusion, blesses his people, receives homage and declares the theme: igba mbo, iga n’iru, (Oye).

Azu Ofala, Saturday, October 17, 2026, the second day of the grand public celebration, featuring continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades, and community engagement at Ime Obi (Afor).

Thanksgiving mass, Sunday, October 25, 2026, a special interdenominational service of gratitude to God for the life of the Obi, the peace of Onitsha, and a successful festival.

This will be held at Bishop Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Egerton road, Onitsha,” he concluded.