Obi of Onitsha goes into seclusion as 2026 Onitsha Ofala ceremonies begin

Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha will on Wednesday, October 7 go into seclusion to kick off activities of the 2026 edition of the annual Onitsha Ofala festival scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2026.

Chief Mike Areh, the Chairman of the Ofala steering committee who disclosed this on Monday said during one native week of four days incommunicado, the traditional ruler would negotiate the fortunes of the kingdom with the
ancestors.

He said this year’s edition themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru translated as Strive Advance or from

Resilience to Progress, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Ofala from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for collective progress for Onitsha people.

It said Ogbalido, the feast of feast of atonement for brave men, elders and big game hunters would hold on Oct. 10 to signal the final countdown to Ofala and formal announcement of public festivities.

Areh said October 11 would be for ‘Inyepu Ukwu N’nlo Eze Onicha which is the Obi’s ceremonial emergence from spiritual seclusion and return to his people.while a medical, health and wellbeing community outreach on October 12.

He said there would be Oreze Art Exhibition, an international art exhibition showcasing contemporary and traditional works as well as youth carnival which celebrates music, dance, fashion, and talent by Onitsha youth while thanksgiving would hold on October 25.

“October 16 is Iru Ofala, the highpoint of the Festival, this is when Obi makes his first public appearance after seclusion, blesses his people, receives homage, and declares the theme: igba mbo, iga n’iru.

“October 17, 2026 is Azu Ofala is the second day of the grand public celebration, featuring continued homage, cultural performances, masquerades, and community engagement at Ime Obi,” he said.

Areh said for over 500 years, the people of Onitsha had shown resilience and had endured, adapted, and rose again through every challenge.

On the festival identity, Areh said the swords in the logo represented authority and continuity, the beads showed identity and honour with the royal proclamation at its centre.

“We thank our sponsors Globacom and Orijin, and our media partners Arise News, Afia TV, Afia Radio and Udala FM for joining us to amplify the story of Onitsha to Nigeria and the world,” he said.