Anambra state Monarch to celebrate 20th coronation anniversary

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, is set to celebrate his 20th coronation on the throne (Iru-Ofala) of Onitsha kingdom.

This was made known in a press conference by Chief Mike Areh, the Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, on Thursday to mark the event.

He said Igwe Achebe will also be using the occasion of the Ofala with a church thanksgiving service to commemorate his 20th anniversary as the traditional ruler of Onitsha kingdom.

“Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe ascended the throne of Eze Chima 20 years ago on May 14, 2002, which coincidentally was his 61st birthday.

The Ofala festival dates back to about 700 years ago, at the time Eze Chima was the high point of the Onitsha ceremonial cycle.”

“The Obi of Onitsha is the celebrant of this spectacle which is rooted in deep spirituality.”

“It is primarily an annual celebration by the monarch and his subjects of the emergence from seclusion, during which period the monarch has successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.”

It is also a re-enactment of the joy which the monarch shared with his subjects, at the discovery that yam is non-toxic, and a valuable source of food for the living.

Chief Areh stated that many dignitaries are expected to grace the event including; state governors and candidates of various political parties for the 2023 general election.

Nigerian Multinational Telecommunication Company, Globacom and International Breweries Plc are sponsors of the celebration which will take place at Ime Obi Onitsha, Anambra State between October 22 and 23, 2022.

Mr Michael Ehumadu, Globacom Regional Sales Manager, Enugu, who also spoke during the conference said,

“We are greatly delighted to be part of this year’s Ofala Festival celebration, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from holding the festival in 2020 and 2021.”

S.S