BY Vivian Chime
Ogbunike community in Oyi LGA of Anambra state is set to hold an Ofala festival in honour of John Ositadimma Umenyiora, its late monarch, on December 24, 2022.
This was announced in a statement signed by Ogoegbunam Umenyiora, a prince of the community, and Anene Osadebe, the community’s traditional prime minister.
The Ofala festival is an annual ceremony by the Igbo people, during which traditional rulers perform certain cultural rites.
It is also marked by ceremonial activities such as dancing and singing.
According to the statement, the cultural event will take place inside the round palace of Igwe Ogbunike, leader of the community, and will feature groups including the Ogbunike Progressive Union, Council of Ndi-Ichie, Ndi Nze Na Ozo, Umuada Ogbunike, Ndi Ekwu Na Iyom, and Ogbunike youths.
Speaking on the significance of the event tagged the “last Ofala”, Osadebe said the celebration is in accordance with the culture of the Ogbunike people.
He added that it is also to commemorate the “quintessential” reign of the monarch which brought development to the community.
“The last Ofala is organised in honour of HRM, Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora (Ezedioramma 1 of Ogbunike), our quintessential monarch whose glamorous reign for 45 years on the throne brought fame, dignity and development to Ogbunike community and glamour to traditional institution and monarchy,” he said.
“It is an occasion and period when the king (Igwe) is accorded befitting honour and celebrated for his exceptional services to the community.
“It is a chronicle of assessment of progress made during the reign of a king, monarch or Igwe from coronation to the end of his reign.
“He will be celebrated for infrastructural development, community development, philanthropy, educational empowerment, business and entrepreneurship development and for his special love for Ogbunike community.”
Umenyiora died on April 28, 2020.
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