The Ofala Steering Committee has released the official programme for Ofala 2026, the annual festival of Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. Activities begin on 7 October, with the main public celebrations set for 16 and 17 October in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The committee describes this as the Obi’s 25th Ofala Festival. It has chosen Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru, translated by the organisers as “Strive and Advance”, as this year’s theme.
The ceremonial programme
According to the Ofala Steering Committee, the Obi will enter ceremonial seclusion on Wednesday, 7 October. A feast known as Ogbalido follows on 10 October, before his ceremonial emergence from seclusion on 11 October.
The programme also includes a medical and wellbeing outreach from 12 to 15 October, the Oreze Art Exhibition from 13 to 18 October, and a youth carnival on 14 October. The committee says the carnival will feature music, dance, fashion and performances by young people.
The main celebration
The committee has scheduled Iru Ofala for Friday, 16 October. On that day, the Obi will appear publicly, receive homage and address his people. Azu Ofala follows on Saturday, 17 October, with further homage, cultural performances and masquerades at Ime Obi. The organisers list Ezechima Square, Onitsha, as the venue for the main festival days.
A thanksgiving service at Bishop Crowther Memorial Anglican Church on 25 October will close the programme. The Anambra State Government had previously reported the 16 and 17 October dates, while the committee’s new announcement provides the wider schedule.
