Eze Duru Oshimiri Obinna Akwiwu Celebrates Igbo Cultural Pride With First Ogwuaga Abba Ofala Festival

The festival was more than a ceremonial display; it was a vivid affirmation of cultural Renaissance, identity, unity, and leadership, steeped in centuries of Igbo heritage. The newly constructed state-of-the-art palace of Eze Ogwuaga, which was officially inaugurated by Governor Hope Uzodimma, served as the vibrant heartbeat of the celebration. Its walls, corridors, and throne hall were not merely architectural accomplishments; they were symbolic vessels of authority, continuity, and service to the people.

From the first glimpse of the royal regalia, the crowd’s attention was captured. Eze Akwiwu emerged resplendent, adorned in colourful, symbolic attire that spoke of dignity, tradition, and spiritual authority. Beside him, Ugoeze, equally radiant, embodied the sacred partnership that underpins Igbo kingship. Together, they radiated a quiet authority, commanding respect not by ostentation, but by presence, poise, and the weight of ancestral legacy.

The atmosphere was electric yet reverent. Sons and daughters of Ogwuaga Abba, both at home and from the diaspora, filled the palace grounds, their pride and joy palpable. The air was rich with music, chants, and the rhythmic beat of drums that echoed the voices of ancestors. Majestic Ijele masquerades towered over the gathering, while smaller masquerades danced playfully among the people, creating a dynamic tapestry of movement, sound and cultural memory. Deserving Imo sons and friends of Ogwuaga Abba were conferred with  Chieftaincy titles including; Barr. Rex Anunobi — Commissioner for Trade and Investment.

Dignitaries from across Igbo land attended in impressive numbers, including political leaders, traditional rulers, business moguls, and community advocates. The presence of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, along with his wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, underscored the festival’s significance as both a cultural and civic milestone. Their attendance symbolized the harmony of modern governance with traditional authority a union long celebrated in Igbo wisdom as essential for social cohesion and progress.

The 2025 Ogwuaga Abba Ofala Festival, which was chaired by a highly respected  community leader and British trained Solicitor, Nze Dr. Barr. Adolph Okoroha (Akaraka of Ogwuaga Abba, Bikku Bikku lll), also had in attendance  prominent Imo leaders, illustrious sons of Abba and Nwangele LGA: High Chief Dr. Johnbosco Chukwuma Ozigbu (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga, Ikenga  Igboland), Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, Nwangele Council Chairman, Chief Paul Duru, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and numerous government appointees.

At the heart of the event was a profound reminder: kingship in Igbo culture is as much spiritual as it is political. The Eze’s first public appearance during Ofala was an act of sacred affirmation, connecting past, present, and future, ancestors and descendants, leadership and community. Observers felt it: a sense of awe, respect, and unity that transcended ordinary festivity.

The festival also showcased Ogwuaga Abba’s determination to embrace progress while preserving its heritage. The palace itself, a monument to visionary leadership, signals a commitment to cultural renaissance, sustainable development, and the restoration of communal pride. Every gesture from the procession to the communal feasting spoke of a leadership mindful of history, duty, and the collective good.

As the drums faded and the masquerades bowed out, one truth remained unmistakable: the 2025 Ofala Festival of Ogwuaga Abba was not merely a celebration. It was a statement of identity reclaimed, heritage honoured, leadership affirmed, and community united. It marked a new chapter in Igbo cultural history, one that will inspire generations to come.