The Ofala festival is an annual ceremony practiced by the Igbo people, particularly the indigenous people of Onitsha, Umueri, Umuoji and other nearby communities such as Aguleri, Nnewi and Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area. It serves as a renewal ritual for the king, Igwe or Obi, and is similar to the Igue festival in Benin and the Ine, Osi or Ogbanigbe festival in many Igbo communities in west-central Nigeria.
The term Ofala comes from two Igbo words: ọfọ (English: power) and ala (English: earth). Celebrated by the Obi (English: King) over two days, mainly in October, the festival is a customary obligation that must be strictly observed every few years.
According to some oral sources, the roots of the Ofala festival date back to the 16th century, when the Onitsha people of Benin migrated to the eastern banks of the Niger River, now known as Onitsha City, bringing with them their customs, including monarchical ones Tradition. The festival is similar to the Igue festival celebrated every year by the Obas of Benin. Some historians also believe that this festival is related to the New Yam festival in Onitsha and the king’s commitment to the safety of his people.
The festival ends the period of seclusion, sometimes called Inye Ukwu na Nlo, during which the Obi remains in seclusion and undergoes spiritual purification for the benefit of the community. At the end of the week-long retreat, Igwe appears during Ofala to bless his people and pray for the community. Ofala is celebrated in some places every year from Obi’s coronation until his death, the latter being called “the last Ofala”, while in other cities in it may have to be celebrated every two or three years.
Ofala Onitsha is an indigenous Ofala festival organized by the indigenous people of Onitsha, Nigeria. It usually takes place in October and is the culmination of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle. Although Ofala festival is common among many Igbo tribes, Onitsha Ofala is quite unique as it is believed to be the first Ofala of the Igbo tribe.
Ceremony and goals
The festival usually begins with a traditional 21-gun salute, followed by Ufie drumming (royal gong), dancing and other cultural events throughout the night. In the afternoon, the office of the Obi chiefs, guests from other communities, age groups, women and youth of the community usually crowd the palace gardens or the Ime Obi in traditional clothing or with ceremonies adapted to the festival occasion.
Royal music, or Egwu Ota, is played at the entry of the Ndichie, or red-capped chiefs, who arrive after gathering the crowd and bringing some friends and family into the palace. The highlight of the festival is the appearance of Obi in royal attire. Amid applause from the crowd, a cannon shot announces the entry of Obi, usually dressed in ceremonial and carrying a bronze sword, into Arena or a third of the arena, acknowledging the audience’s applause.
Obi then retreats and the leaders in red caps pay homage to him due to his seniority, whereupon Obi and the leaders reappear after another cannon shot. In his second appearance, Obi dances in the arena, which is rarely seen, and his steps cover a greater distance than the first time. The visiting chiefs and guests then pay homage to Obi. The festival is Obi’s opportunity to honor people with chieftaincy titles.