The 2026 festival will hold on Friday, October 16, 2026, under the theme: igba mbo,
iga n’iru | Strive, and advance | From Resilience to Progress.
Chief (Dr) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya of Onitsha and Chairman of the Ofala
Steering Committee, said the theme reflects the collective spirit of Ndi Onicha
“igba mbo, iga n’iru captures our collective resolve. From Resilience to Progress, this
theme calls every Onye Onicha to strive forward and advance our heritage and
future together.” Further information about the theme is available at
https://ofala.org/
About Ofala
Rooted in deep spirituality, Ofala is the highpoint of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. It
is primarily a celebration by the monarch and his subjects of the Obi’s annual
emergence from seclusion, inyepu ukwu na nlo eze, during which the monarch has
successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom. The festival also reenacts the
joy shared by the monarch and his people at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and
a valuable source of food.. It serves as a rite of renewal for the Obi and a renewal of
bonds between the throne and Ndi Onicha.
Whilst retaining its essence as an annual traditional and ritual obligation, Ofala has
evolved into a major festival encompassing many events. These now include an
international art exhibition Oreze, the Ofala Youth Carnival, and the Ofala Medical,
Health and Wellbeing Community Outreach.
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