# Onitsha Ofala Festival 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/onitsha-ofala-festival-2026
> Updated: 2026-10-06T05:04:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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 event is intended to transition from a sacred rite of renewal for the Obi into a platform for the collective progress of the Onitsha people.

Activities are set to begin on October 7, 2026, with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, entering a period of spiritual seclusion to negotiate the kingdom's fortunes with ancestors. Following a feast of atonement for elders and hunters on October 10, the Obi is scheduled to emerge from seclusion on October 11.

The festival lineup includes a community health outreach, an international Oreze Art Exhibition, and a youth carnival. The celebrations will culminate in the Iru Ofala on October 16, marking the Obi's first public appearance to bless his people, followed by the Azu Ofala celebrations on October 17.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Onitsha announces programs for 2026 Ofala Festival

The Onitsha kingdom has announced the 2026 Ofala Festival schedule, featuring the Obi's spiritual seclusion, an international art exhibition, and community health initiatives.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/onitsha-announces-programs-for-2026-ofala-festival

### 2026-09-16: Ooni of Ife hosts Catholic bishops and unveils Olojo Festival sponsors

The Ooni of Ife hosted Nigerian Catholic bishops to commend their societal contributions and unveiled corporate sponsors for the upcoming 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ooni-of-ife-hosts-catholic-bishops-and-unveils-olojo-festival-sponsors

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Cite as: Onitsha Ofala Festival 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/onitsha-ofala-festival-2026