Former presidential candidate Peter Obi attended the 2025 Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), the Obi of Onitsha, on Saturday, joining thousands of indigenes and dignitaries in honouring one of southeastern Nigeria’s most revered cultural traditions.
The Ofala Festival, held annually in Onitsha, celebrates the monarch’s reign and the unity of the Onitsha people. It features vibrant displays of traditional regalia, music, dance, and rituals that reflect the community’s rich heritage and spiritual gratitude.
Obi, who hails from Anambra State and is an alumnus of Christ the King College in Onitsha, described the event as “heartwarming,” noting that he has attended the festival since his secondary school days. “It is a time when the people of Onitsha come together to honour their revered monarch, celebrate unity, showcase rich cultural heritage, and give thanks to God for life and progress,” he said.
He commended Igwe Achebe for his “exemplary leadership, wisdom, and commitment to preserving our traditions,” adding that the monarch’s reign continues to inspire peace and development across the region.
The festival drew attendees from across Nigeria and the diaspora, reinforcing its role as a cultural touchstone for the Igbo people. Obi extended warm wishes to all sons and daughters of Onitsha, expressing hope that the community’s unity and cultural pride would continue to thrive.
The Ofala Festival remains a key event in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, symbolizing continuity, reverence, and communal identity.
