By Chinedum Treasure
The ancient Onitsha Kingdom in Anambra State is set to celebrate more than 500 years of unbroken monarchy at the 2026 Ofala Festival, scheduled for October 16 and 17 at Ime Obi, Ezechima Square, Onitsha.
The Ofala Steering Committee, in a statement, said the historic celebration would honour the resilience and continuity of the Onitsha traditional institution while challenging the present generation to preserve and build on the legacy of its forebears.
As part of preparations for the festival, the committee unveiled the official 2026 Ofala logo, bearing the theme “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru”, meaning “Strive and Advance.”
Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr.) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha, said the theme represented both a celebration of the kingdom’s rich history and a call to its people to advance its legacy.
“Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru is both a charge and a celebration. This Ofala, we honour the past by building the future,” he said.
Areh said the forebears of the Onitsha people had, for more than five centuries, striven to build, protect and sustain the kingdom, stressing that the responsibility of the present generation was to advance that legacy through culture, enterprise, youth development and unity.
He explained that the 2026 logo was conceived as a royal and cultural statement reflecting an institution that had endured for more than five centuries while remaining relevant, progressive and unifying.
According to him, the logo portrays Ofala as more than a traditional festival, describing it as a living expression of identity, leadership, order, resilience and advancement.
He said the swords depicted in the logo represent royal authority, protection and continuity, while the beads symbolise identity, honour and cultural belonging.
“The central plate carries the festival’s message with the dignity of a royal proclamation, while the line-up of Agbogidi, red chiefs and attendants captures the sacred moment of readiness before the monarch appears before his people,” Areh said.
He added that the white sculptural relief gives the logo a refined heritage feel, while the purple accents reinforce royalty and the Ofala brand identity.
“Every element was intentionally placed to connect the throne, the people, the culture and the future,” he said.
Areh disclosed that other initiatives would be unveiled around the Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru theme, adding that the annual festival would provide an opportunity to connect Onitsha’s centuries-old heritage with its aspirations for the future.
Describing Ofala 2026 as “heritage in motion,” rooted in royalty and resilience and moving towards progress, he said the theme was also a call to Ndi Onitsha and Ndi Igbo to strive and advance while preserving their cultural identity and heritage.
Highlights of the festival include the Iru Ofala, Azu Ofala, Oreze International Art Exhibition and Ofala Youth Carnival, among other cultural activities.
Tags: Onitsha Ofala, Anambra Culture, Igba Mbo Iga N’iru, Traditional Institution
