Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Amuwo Odofin has inaugurated an Igbo Language School ….commends Eze Njoku
In what could be described as ‘oiling the wheel of tradition’, Eze Sunday Ojukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Amuwo Odofin celebrated his second Ofala festival on Saturday, 28th October, 2023 in a grand style. The grand event was attended by his family members, friends, associates, royal fathers and friends of Ndigbo.
The Ofala festival is a significant event observed in Igboland and among Ndigbo even in the Diaspora to showcase their rich cultural heritage while expressing profound gratitude to God for the gift of life essentially and other numerous blessings over the years.
In the olden days, Ofala festival was used to mark the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new farming season apart from being an occasion to thank God for a bountiful harvest.
The event chaired by Chief Charles Okeke began with the coronation and induction of new chiefs into Eze Ojukwu’s Palace which was followed by the symbolic presentation and breaking of kolanuts, cultural displays from some Igbo groups, Arewa cultural groups, and musical entertainments.
The chief host of the event HRM. Eze Sunday Augustine Ojukwu, Ezendigbo of Amuwo Odofin, in his remark explained that the occasion was meant to foster and promote peace and unity amongst conflicting Igbo leaders and their subordinates, adding that this year’s event was themed “Udokanma” which means peace is the good especially with the series of events that characterized the last general elections amongst tribes in Amuwo Odofin.
The royal father further explained that the Ofala festival is celebrated every 3-5 years to thank God for life. The Ofala is also a way of educating children on the importance of Igbo culture and traditions as part of Igbo heritage, and practices. He disclosed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Amuwo Odofin has inaugurated an Igbo language school for the children born and bred in Lagos to learn Igbo language, a development he commends to Eze Nicholas Njoku, Ezendigbo of Ejigbo, which he described as a commendable project that would help promote the Igbo culture.
Eze Ojukwu commended the effort of the government for the palliatives being distributed, and also appreciated the Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for restoring peace by re-opening the Trade Fair Market. He also thanked the Lawma, stakeholders and the management board for interceding in the resolution.
In her remark, the Vice chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Mrs Ashara Maureen Chika, an Igbo lady who represented the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA , Engr. (Dr) Valentine Oluwaseyi Brymo described the Ofala celebration as a unique event for the Igbos, who always regard anywhere they live as home and as such would always practice their culture.
According to her, the Ofala celebration is about promoting “Peace and Unity” a theme regarded as important especially after the February 2023 elections and the tribal conflicts associated with it which resulted in injuries on scores of persons in Amuwo Odofin. She also admonished Igbo traders to maintain cleanliness and ensure that they obey the laws of the land.
On his part, Nze Chibuzor, the director of culture in Eze Ojukwu’s palace who spoke more on the essence of the Ofala festival, explained that the occasion was used to promote the cultural heritage of the Igbo customs and tradition, adding that an average Igbo man feels at home wherever he resides, the reason he portrays his cultural practices just as seen in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
He maintained that the children born and bred in Lagos should be exposed to their roots through planned events such as the Ofala to further enlighten them on traditions.
”The Igbo culture is not self-centered; we extend a hand of respect to other cultures. For reference, the king of Cotonou is here at this event, the Oba of Abule-Ado is also present as well as the Seriki from the Hausa Arewa tribe. Therefore our main aim is to foster peace and unity amongst tribes” he stated.
In his remark, HRH. Amanyo Savi Gaston Oba of Benin Republic said his presence at the event underscored his love for the Igbos and to felicitate Eze Ojukwu, whom he described as a man of great repute.
The royal father also observed similarity between Igbo culture and Republic of Benin culture, pointing out that the only difference is in the language. He commended Igbos who resides and do business in Benin, describing them as genuine business men and women.
Also speaking on the essence of Ofala festival , Chief Lawrence Chikwado Ezeunara, Chairman Ohanaeze Ndigbo Amuwo Odofin LGA who was also coroneted as a member of Eze Ojukwu’s cabinet explained that the Ofala festival is about celebrating the harvest season after planting and nurturing, giving thanks to God for a bountiful harvest by means of cultural celebration. He noted that in ancient times, the Ofala was used to mark the commencement of a new year before civilization took over.
Present at the event include; Mrs. Ashara Maureen Chika, Vice Chairman Amuwo Odofin LGA, Chief Charles Okeke (Odenigbo), chairman of the occasion, member of the House of Representatives Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Hon. George Adegeye Olawande, HRM, Alayeluwa Oba Lateef Olayinka Ado ( Fabuwa 1, Alado of Ado Kingdom, and HRH/Alhaji Sukaiman Rabiu Seriki Arewa Kuje Amuwo Odofin.
Others are: HRH. Savi Gaston Dit Hounnon Amanyon, Oba of Benin Republic, Chief Sunday Ossai President Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Solomon Aguene chairman Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Dr Sunday Udeh chairman Igbo-speaking community Lagos, Eze Lawrence Ezendigbo Alimosho, Eze Chika Nwokedi, Ezendigbo Ijegun/ Ijeododo (Chairman Council of Ndi Eze in Lagos) Eze Jude Arinze, Eze Ohazuruchi, Ezendigbo of Isolo( Vice Chairman Ndi Ezes in Lagos), Eze Nicholas Njoku, Ezendigbo Ejigbo(PRO council of Ezes in Lagos), High Chief L.I.K Onyemaechi( Ochaigha MBA) Kingmaker Amuwo Odofin Council of Chiefs, Chief Chikwado Lawrence Ezeunara (Ogbuehi Nwata Nacho Nkeya) Chairman Ohanaeze Ndigbo Amuwo Odofin, Eze Monday Lawrence Obijiogu JP , HRM Chukwuakalika Madu, Ezendigbo Oriade, Chairman/CEO Music Africa Awake Foundation ( MUAFA) , and many others.
The Hausa, Yoruba, the Tivs, and the Efik communities were represented at the event which had the rich cultural practices of the Igbos like breaking of kolanuts, and masquerade on display