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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Amechi Uwani Autonomous Community in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State came alive on December 27, as sons and daughters of the ancient town gathered in their numbers to witness history — the maiden Ofala festival of the community.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere was electric. The Greater Amechi Awkunanaw Unity Field, venue of the occasion was awash with colours as men, women and youths, clad in rich traditional attire, moved about with excitement.
The rhythmic beat of drums rent the air, drawing villagers and visitors alike to the arena where culture, tradition and unity were proudly on display.
Masquerades danced with grace and vigour, embodying the deep cultural heritage of the Amechi Uwani people, while guests were lavishly entertained with assorted traditional delicacies, fresh palm wine and a variety of drinks.
It was a celebration long awaited, a day that symbolised acceptance, unity and thanksgiving.
At the centre of it all was the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Joseph Ogbodo (Ohachiri Eze II), whose reign officially found public expression through the Ofala, 12 years after his coronation in 2013.
Clearly moved by the massive turnout and the show of love, the monarch spoke with deep emotion, describing the event as a fulfilment of destiny and a source of renewed strength.
“I am happy with this event. It was organised by my children, including friends and well-wishers. My heart is filled with gladness. It will make me live longer. This event has added more years to my lifespan,” the Igwe said.
Explaining the significance of the Ofala, the royal father noted that it was more than a festival, it was a moment of collective assessment and communal affirmation.
“Ofala is what our people do to showcase the good things that have been done in the community. I was crowned in 2013, and this coronation has not been formally showcased to the community for them to examine if the traditional ruler is doing well or not. So this year, we have held the Ofala,” he explained.
According to him, the successful celebration was a clear endorsement of his leadership. “This shows that everything I, as the traditional ruler, have done from the day of coronation till now was done well and is accepted by the people.
“It is also on that day of Ofala that indigenes of the community who are helping to bring development to the community are recognised and honoured. It is at this Ofala that the people have said that my leadership is accepted,” he declared.
The monarch recalled the state of the community before his ascension to the throne, painting a picture of deep division and stagnation.
“Before I became the traditional ruler, there was a lot of disunity among my people. There was segregation and no development. Remember that any community without peace cannot have good development.
“So my first assignment which the Almighty God gave me was how to restore peace and love and togetherness in the entire Amechi Uwani community — the 14 village units — so that we can continue to do everything collectively. So I have achieved peace and love among the entire Amechi Uwani community,” he said.
One of the highlights of the colourful event was the conferment of honours on individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth of the community and society at large.
The Igwe explained that the recognition cut across community, local government, state and national levels.
“Those who were honoured are people who have done well for the community, those who have done well for the local government and those who have done well for the state and the country.
“These include also those who help in raising the indigent, development, building churches, markets, schools and roads. This recognition is the only thing the community can do to tell them that they are well appreciated,” he stated.
Earlier, the Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Amechi Uwani, Ogenyi Goddy Nnaji, described the Ofala as the product of years of sacrifice, teamwork and divine grace.
“What happened today is a product of a very long, tedious journey. It is sacrifices our people made, variously and as a team, that is what you are seeing today. The huge success we recorded today is a product of hard work, and we know God helped us,” he said.
He emphasised the historical importance of the event. “Ofala festival is very significant because this is the first of its kind in Amechi Uwani. After 12 years of His Majesty, J.A.E. Ogbodo, the Ohachiri Eze II of Amechi Uwani, we have made history today,” Nnaji noted.
Tracing the monarch’s roots in community service, the Onowu recalled witnessing his efforts as far back as the 1970s. “Igwe Joseph Ogbodo, from the grassroots, has been working for the community before becoming the traditional ruler of our town. In 1976, I saw him building roads when I was in school.
“What he formed that time was Unity Front. Most of the roads you see in our community today were created by him under his leadership of the Unity Front,” he said.
He said the massive attendance was a testament to quality leadership.
“The turnout you saw today shows the quality of leadership he has. He has also shown that Amechi Uwani people are hospitable. We don’t discriminate. We welcome visitors. That is why you could see both indigenes and non-indigenes,” he added.
On the cultural display, Nnaji explained that it was only a glimpse of the community’s rich heritage. “You have also seen the display of our culture. This is just a tip of our culture. We have a lot of cultural and traditional practices not dedicated to any deity but to the glory of God, to show that we are from a unique stock. In subsequent Ofalas, you will see more,” he assured.
Among those honoured was Michael Anele, who expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“This honour makes me feel very happy. It makes me feel appreciated that the things I have done, the community is able to recognise them. I am very happy. The traditional ruler is doing very well. He is carrying everybody along and he will still achieve more,” he said.
Another awardee, Chief Godwin Egbo, described the honour as a reward for years of service. “I am happy because they have honoured me for what I have done. I handled so many posts in this community. This is time for my payment and I am happy.
“I am advising my younger ones to come and work for the community so that the community can recognise them. Igwe Joseph Ogbodo is doing well. I thank him for recognising me today,” he said.
The maiden Ofala in Amechi Uwani was not just a festival, it was a powerful statement of identity, leadership and communal harmony. It also set the stage for even grander celebrations in the years ahead.
