OFALA ONITSHA
The Onitsha Ofala festival dates back to about
700 years ago, at the time of Eze Chima, the first monarch, who migrated to the
area, now known as Onitsha (Henderson 42-46). In those early days, the King of
Onitsha, referred to as, Igwe-Onitsha, was always confined to the palace. He
did not have any business going anywhere because the responsibilities of
administering the community was assigned to his lieutenants, who are the
elders, known as the Ndi-Ichie, and other rank and file of the community. The Igwe,
also known as the Obi-Onitsha, only made public appearances during the Ofala
festival. It is pertinent to note here that the Ofala festival is celebrated
only once a year, precisely in the month of October, the period that is the
climax of the celebration of the new yam (Iwaji) festival in Onitsha.
Igwe's First Outing on Video
Four days before the festival, the Igwe goes into seclusion. He retreats to commune with his ancestors, and to thank them for protecting him and his subjects for the past one year as well as pray for peace and prosperity in the year to come. On the day of the festival, the Obi makes three appearances. After the early morning rituals, the trumpeters announce his entry before he shows up, fully dressed in his royal regalia, highlighted with the royal crown (okpu ododo), acknowledging the crowd he dances in turns waving at groups such as titled men, the Otu Odu Association, age-grade groups, friends and well-wishers all dressed in colourful traditional apparels. After waving at all the directions to the people he then returns inside.
*A two-day festival
- Day 1: Iru Ofala - This first day, Iru
Ofala is primarily for the
monarch. Attended by the Ndichie, the monarch wearing his full regalia parades
the arena of his palace on three different occasions, in full view of all
present, and dances to the war drums. In between the rounds, his subjects,
visitors, and stakeholders in the greater cosmopolitan city, pay him their respects.
- Day 2: Azu Ofala -This is an elaborate display by the
monarch’s subjects usually made up of
age grade societies in their very colourful uniforms. Each society dances past the throne room
paying homage to the monarch. “
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Contributor: Nn'emeka Maduegbuna
Video: Courtesy Mexxanda Eyes
