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The ancient Onitsha Kingdom has announced plans to mark its more than 500 years of unbroken monarchy at its annual Ofala Festival, slated for October 16 and 17 at Ime Obi, Ezechima Square, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Ofala Steering Committee, which disclosed this in a statement said the 2026 edition would celebrate the resilience of the Onitsha institution while challenging the present generation to build on the legacy of its forebears.
The committee had earlier unveiled the official logo, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru” — meaning “Strive and Advance” — as the theme for the celebration.
Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief (Dr.) Okechukwu Mike Areh, Onya Ozoma of Onitsha, said the theme was both a celebration of the kingdom’s history and a charge 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.
According to Areh, the forebears of the Onitsha people had, for more than 500 years striven to build, protect and sustain the kingdom, adding that the responsibility of the present generation was to advance that legacy through culture, enterprise, youth development and unity.
He said, “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.
“The logo was designed to portray Ofala as more than a celebration of tradition, describing it as a living system of identity, leadership, order, resilience and advancement.
“The swords 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.
“The white sculptural relief in the design 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.
“Other initiatives will be unveiled around the theme of Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru. The annual festival will be opportunity to connect the kingdom’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, Areh noted that the Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru message 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, Ofala Youth Carnival, among others.
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