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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Omasi community, Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State was in a festive mood crossing into the New Year 2026, as the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Benjamin Okeji, marked the 11th Ofala Festival and 27th year on the throne.
Igwe Okeji is currently the Deputy Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Chairman, Anambra North Zonal Council of Traditional Rulers.
The double celebration, which was like a cultural carnival, brought together sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, government functionaries, politicians, clergymen, and youth groups, among others.
The booming of canon shots, known as nkponala, a 21-gun salute as early as 6.30am ruptured the silence of the agrarian community that early morning, to signal that a great event was about to commence.
The cabinet members of the Igwe, town union members, and other community stakeholders gathered at the palace of the traditional rulers to welcome guests and, also, take charge of the occasion as perfect hosts.
The entrance of Igwe Okeji into the Ofala arena, amidst pomp and royalty, was a wonderful spectacle to behold, as the people cheered and relished the moment with great delight and happiness.
Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Omasi led in the opening prayers, asking for God’s abiding presence, protection of the Igwe and the subjects, and the safety of all the invited guests, friends, and well-wishers.
The Traditional Ruler, Igwe Benjamin Okeji, who also performed the kolanut rituals, poured gratitude to God Almighty, the giver of life and strength, whom, he said, has preserved him and his people to celebrate the day.
The King decreed that the Ofala festival shall bring peace, unity, and progress among Omasi people everywhere in the world.
“The 11th Ofala shall bring fertility in the land of Omasi Akpuite kingdom now and forever. This 2025 Ofala kingdom shall restore peace and serenity in Igbo land and Nigeria in general”, he prayed.
Proceeding immediately to the Ofala address, Igwe Okeji expressed joy and deep appreciation for the journey of 27 years on the throne and 11 years of Ofala festival.
He described the Ofala as not just a festival but of thanksgiving
“It is a day we step back from our daily struggles to celebrate our rich culture, our unbreakable unity, and the resilient spirit of our people. It is a day I stand before you not just as your Igwe, but as a servant, a brother, and a fellow traveler on this path of community growth.
“Look around and you can see the faces of our elders, holding our history; see the energy of our youth, who carry our future. This gathering is a living testament of who we are. We are here to honour our traditions; yes, but we are, also, here to recharge for the work ahead. I want to specially thank every single person who worked tirelessly to make today happen; the planning committees, the women groups, the age grades, and the volunteers. You cooked, you decorated, you planned, and you prayed. This day shines because of your labour. I see you, and I thank you.”
“To our special guests who travelled from far and near, your presence is a gift. You have added great honour to our celebration. Please feel at home, eat our food, enjoy our music, and let the joy of this community fill you up.
“The past year has had its challenges, but by God’s grace, and through our collective will, we have also seen progress. We will continue to work together to advocate for our roads, for our farms, and for the development of our great kingdom. But, today, is for celebration. So let the drums speak, let the dancers tell our stories, let the friendship and laughter flow freely”, Igwe Okeji said.
The traditional ruler also praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the development strides his administration has unleashed across all parts of the state.
Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Igwe of Obosi community, Igwe Chidubem Iweka the 3rd, who felicitated with Igwe Okeji on his Ofala festival, prayed for longevity and continued wisdom on the Omasi monarch.
The Eze Iweka the 3rd hailed the prevailing peace existing in Omasi community among the Igwe, the town union, and his subjects. He said such situation is the ideal thing which should prevail across all communities in the state, noting that the traditional institution in Anambra has been up and doing in fostering peace and development in Anambra communities.
President General of Omasi Town Union, Hon. Alfred Chukwu Okafor, who was there with members of the town union executives to celebrate with Igwe Okeji, also prayed for the good health of the monarch. He said Omasi community has prospered under the reign of Igwe Okeji, while they prayed for abundance of God’s blessings on the community.
Another stakeholder from the community, Emenike Onuama, a legal practitioner, said he came down from Lagos to be part of the celebration. He also affirmed that Igwe Okeji has been doing well for the people of the community since he ascended the throne, even as he called for more support from the people of the community to the throne and development of the community.
President of non-indigenes resident in Omasi, Chief Samsom Adene, a Kogi State indigene, who also led other non-indigenes to pay homage to the Igwe, noted that residents of the community enjoy very cordial relationship with the indigenes of Omasi.
He said that non indigenes in Omasi are in large numbers while some built houses and live comfortably with the indigenes. He called on the government to create a special polling booth for the non-indigenes in Omasi, so they could also exercise their civic duties during elections.
Chief Cyprian Ebuka Okafor, who is a chieftaincy title recipient in Omasi kingdom, conveyed the appreciation of the title recipients to the monarch and people of Omasi community for their hospitality.
Others who received various chieftaincy titles from the Igwe Omasi kingdom during the Ofala festival included Hon. Vincent Ofumelu, former House of Representative member, Hon. Chukwuemeka Umeoji, another former House of Reps members, and governorship aspirant in Anambra, among others.
