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Ofala Onitsha 2024: Igwe's First Outing

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

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Ofala Onicha 2024: Raw Photos