​Agbalanze Onitsha Society of Houston
The Ofala Festival, by its sheer magnitude, is the peak of Onitsha traditional cycle, coming in-between a series of yam festivals across the villages that make up the town. From start to finish, the yam festival lasts approximately three weeks, broken midway by the Ofala.
The practices that unravel today have been observed in Onitsha kingdom for centuries.
The people plan for it and they celebrate it heartily. And from all indications, Igwe Achebe is the main attraction.
Everyone here is waiting for the moment when he will march in measured steps, and to the beats of Egwu-Ota (the royal drums ensemble), onto the field and dance to the delight of his subjects, most of whom haven't seen him since the last Ofala.
The Ofala custom demands that the Obi of Onitsha dance round the arena twice at intervals. His dance lasts anything from 10-15 minutes, and he is supported in this ritual by his entire cabinet as well as few palace aides.
