Onitsha announces programs for 2026 Ofala Festival

The Onitsha ancient kingdom has announced the schedule for the 2026 Ofala Festival, themed ‘Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru’, which translates to ‘Strive Advance or from Resilience to Progress’. The festival is designed to transition from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for the collective progress of the Onitsha people.

Activities begin on October 7, 2026, when the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, enters a period of spiritual seclusion. During this time, the monarch remains incommunicado to negotiate the kingdom's fortunes with ancestors. Following this, a feast of atonement for elders and hunters will be held on October 10, signaling the final countdown to the public festivities.

The Obi is scheduled to emerge from seclusion on October 11. The festival lineup includes a community health outreach on October 12, an international Oreze Art Exhibition starting October 13, and a youth carnival on October 14. The festival's high point, Iru Ofala, will take place on October 16, marking the Obi's first public appearance to bless his people and receive homage, followed by the Azu Ofala celebrations on October 17.