Oba Shutdown as Eze Okpoko II Celebrates Maiden Ofala Festival with Cultural Display, Medical Outreach

By Ukpa Ewa

Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive with activities as traditional rulers, dignitaries, indigenes and visitors gathered at Merchants of Light School to celebrate the maiden Ofala Festival of His Majesty, Igwe Augustine Emelobe (Eze Okpoko II of Oba).

The landmark event featured a free medical outreach for community members, colourful cultural performances by various troupes and massive turnout of people from within and outside Oba, showcasing the town rich cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Igwe Augustine Emelobe formally presented his solemn declaration, pledging to preserve, protect and uphold the traditions and provisions of the Constitution of the Igwe and the Oba Patriotic Union. He assured that under his reign, all churches and shrines in Oba would be protected and that no citizen would be unjustly dispossessed of land or property.

The monarch stated that his vision is to transform Oba into a united, secure, peaceful and prosperous town. He revealed that several committees including roads and physical infrastructure, health and wellness, waste management and sanitation, as well as culture and tradition have already been set up and are making positive impact.

He also disclosed plans to establish a Customary Land Tribunal to address land disputes in line with Oba customs and traditions.

Igwe Emelobe further identified key challenges facing the community to include insecurity, land grabbing, youth restiveness, drug abuse, prostitution, poor healthcare services, erosion, uncoordinated urban development, inadequate electricity and water supply while appealing to the Anambra State Government, non-governmental organisations and well meaning individuals to support Oba’s development, emphasing that visible government presence in some sectors remains inadequate.

Speaking on the significance of Ofala Festival, Nze Chigbo Obienu (Ichie Ezedike Oba) described it as a unifying traditional institution that promotes peace, culture and development. He urged the people to maintain peace and unity, stressing that progress can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III), advised the monarch to always listen to his people and lead with wisdom, praying for God’s guidance and long reign.

On his part, The Member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, described the maiden Ofala as colourful and historic, noting that the large turnout reflected people’s acceptance of the monarch.

He affirmed that he had installed over 70 streetlights in Oba and pledged further support in road construction, water supply and skill acquisition programmes.

In their respected speeches the representative of Oba Youth Forum Ebuka Ozumba, Member Inyo Eze Oba Dr. Nkiru Uzor and the Chairman of Obioma Age Grade, Mr. Obi Okafor and Oba indigenes in the diaspora all expressed confidence in the monarch’s leadership, calling for youth empowerment, job creation and sustained community development. They commended the king’s inclusive leadership style within his first six months on the throne.

Highlight of the event was installation of additional Ichies and chiefs to strengthen the traditional administration of the kingdom.