by George Ozalla
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Tony Nwoye, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Igwe Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe, KSC, the Eze-Okpoko II of Oba, on the successful celebration of his maiden Ofala Festival following his ascension to the throne.
The historic ceremony, which formally marked the coronation and first Ofala Festival of Igwe Emelobe as the traditional ruler of Oba, was held at the Merchant of Light School in the community and drew a wide range of dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, community stakeholders, as well as sons and daughters of Oba from within and outside Anambra State.
According to the DTN media team, Senator Nwoye, during the ceremony, prostrated before the monarch and the throne as a mark of respect, loyalty and allegiance to the traditional institution.
While addressing the gathering, the lawmaker described the Ofala Festival as a significant cultural event that strengthens peace, unity and shared identity among the people of Oba, Idemili and the wider Anambra State. He expressed confidence that Igwe Emelobe’s reign would serve as a rallying point for harmony and collective progress among sons and daughters of the community.
Senator Nwoye also conveyed his goodwill and that of the people of Anambra North Senatorial District to the monarch, describing the occasion as a proud moment not only for Oba but for the entire zone.
The festival featured cultural displays, traditional music, dances and colourful regalia reflecting the heritage and history of Oba. Several prominent indigenes of the community were honoured with traditional titles during the celebration, including businessman and philanthropist, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who was conferred with the title of Okpataozuroha 1 of Oba.
The Ofala Festival remains a revered annual event among the Igbo people, symbolising royal authority, cultural continuity and the bond between the monarch and his subjects, while Oba community is one of the prominent towns in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, known for its rich traditions and vibrant communal life.
