OFALA 2011: 11th - 14th October 2011
Glo Heritage Series
For over 500 years the Ofala festival has been the most prestigious cultural event of the people of Onitsha. The Ofala is the occasion when the reigning Obi of Onitsha comes out of an annual retreat as the harbinger of good tidings, ushering in a new season of prosperity and plenty. The colourful three-day carnival/event is the culmination of the Obi's communion with the Supreme Power, to ensure peace and prosperity for the land and its people. It provides the platform for social interaction between the monarch, his people and the rest of the world.
THE FIRST DAY
This is the day that the Obi of Onitsha first appears from his annual retreat. The day commences with a carnival of the youths around town. At 11am, the high chiefs arrive at the palace in ascending order of seniority, after marching through the streets in a procession from their homes, proudly displaying the regalia of their clans. At 2pm promptly, the star attraction, the Obi of Onitsha emerges in his full ceremonial regalia and dances three times around the palace while greeting his people and honoured guests. The Obi also receives homages and pays tributes to ancestors of the community. The Obi will retire to the Ime Obi to fulfill traditional rites after the conclusion of the dancing rituals with his palace chiefs. This marks the conclusion of the first day's activities.
THE SECOND DAY
Known as Azu Ofala, it's a parade of different age grades that come to pay their allegiance and homage to the Obi. They entertain the audience with overwhelming performances and compete for prizes that are awarded to the most colourful age grades. The Obi will also dance around the arena three times during the celebration.
THE THIRD DAY
The programme commences at 11am with the Obi of Onitsha presiding over a ground-breaking ceremony for all community development projects initiated by Glo. In the afternoon, distinguished guests will be invited to a Royal Banquet.
