Chima Square in Onitsha, Anambra State, came alive as traditional rulers, chiefs, dignitaries, residents, and visitors gathered for the 2026 Ofala Festival, celebrating the 24th anniversary of the Obi of Onitsha on the throne. The annual event attracted attendees from across Nigeria and the diaspora, showcasing the kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditions, which date back more than 500 years.
This year’s festival was held under the theme “Ibam boy ganu”, meaning “strive and advance”. The theme highlighted resilience, progress and community loyalty, as high chiefs and traditional representatives appeared in elaborate regalia to perform traditional rites and reaffirm their allegiance to the monarch. Their participation reflected the continuing importance of traditional institutions in Onitsha’s cultural and social life.
The celebration also featured Professor Richard Henderson, an American scholar and author of The King in Every Man. Henderson returned from Tucson, Arizona, 60 years after his previous visit to Onitsha. He expressed amazement at the festival’s growth, describing how it had become richer, more elaborate and more vibrant since his earlier academic engagement with the community’s traditions.
Excitement filled the arena as the Obi made his grand entrance to cheers and praise chants from the crowd. The monarch danced before receiving formal homages from representatives of different villages and chieftaincy groups, who demonstrated their loyalty and commitment to the kingdom. The gathering provided an opportunity for participants to celebrate their shared identity and pass cultural traditions on to younger generations.
Beyond the cultural displays, the Obi used his royal address to speak about Nigeria’s economic difficulties and growing insecurity. He urged the government to take urgent action to ease the financial pressures facing ordinary citizens, echoing concerns previously expressed by Islamic scholars and Catholic bishops. The 2026 Ofala Festival thus combined a celebration of Onitsha’s longstanding heritage with calls for progress, security and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
