By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi Alfred Achebe, on Monday, announced his intention to embark on one week seclusion aimed at interacting with the ancestors for betterment of the populace.
The exercise, it was learnt would commence on Wednesday, Oct. 7 as part of activities marking the 2026 edition of the annual Onitsha Ofala festival scheduled for Oct. 16 and Oct. 17.
The Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Mike Areh, who disclosed this, explained that the monarch would be incommunicado during this one native week of four days in other to better commune with the ancestors.
According to him, this year’s edition of the ofala was themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru" translated as Strive to Advance or from Resilience to Progress, which marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Ofala from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for collective progress for Onitsha people.
He listed other activities scheduled for the ofala festival as Ogbalido, the feast of atonement for brave men, elders and big game hunters (holding on October 10) to signal the final countdown to Ofala and formal announcement of public festivities.
Areh added that Inyepu Ukwu N’nlo Eze Onicha would hold on October 11 to signal emergence of the monarch from the spiritual seclusion and return to his people.
"There will be a medical, health and wellbeing community outreach on October 12, and Oreze Art Exhibition, an international art exhibition showcasing contemporary and traditional works as well as youth carnival which celebrates music, dance, fashion, and talent by Onitsha youth while thanksgiving would hold on Oct. 25.
“October 16 is Iru Ofala, the highpoint of the Festival. This is when Obi makes his first public appearance after seclusion, blesses his people, receives homage, and declares the theme: igba mbo, iga n’iru. October 17, 2026 is Azu Ofala which is the second day of the grand public celebration, featuring continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades, and community engagement at Ime Obi,” he further noted.
Areh recalled that for over 500 years, the people of Onitsha had shown resilience and had endured, adapted, and rose again through every challenge.
He earlier explained that on the festival identity, Areh said the swords in the logo represented authority and continuity, the beads showed identity and honour with the royal proclamation at its centre.
“We thank our sponsors Globacom and Orijin, and our media partners Arise News, Afia TV, Afia Radio and Udala FM for joining us to amplify the story of Onitsha to Nigeria and the world,” he said.