The rites would end on, Oct. 5, the eve of Ofala Eze Onicha. This is the period when the monarch goes into a trance in total seclusion to commune with the ancestors in supplication to God for the forgiveness of communal transgressions.
It also included prayers against wrongdoings over the past year, as well as pray for a peaceful and bounteous year ahead for his community.
He would also be praying fervently for God’s mercy for the end of the turmoil, violence, and hardship that have befallen the country in general, and Anigbo in particular.
Igwe Achebe would also pray for the return of peace, mutual love and respect, justice, fairness, and equity as the fundamental prerequisites for stemming the anger, frustration and bitterness that had enveloped the country
However, because of the imperative to sustain the COVID-19 protocols for personal and public hygiene and safety in the face of the prevailing third, and more virulent, wave of the pandemic, Igwe Achebe in council proclaimed that Ofala Eze Onicha on Oct. 6 would be marked with modesty, devoid of the usual fanfare, colour, pomp, and pageantry.
The festival had become a global hallmark of the ancient festival. Also, there will be no Azu Ofala celebration.
The Owuwa-Ji (New Yam) Festival, which commenced on Sept. 24 would end on Oct. 21 with Ikelebe-ji (the new yam celebration by the monarch) will similarly be observed modestly.
“It is the hope and prayer of His Majesty and the people of Onitsha that the challenges of this year will come to pass, and circumstances will enable these festivals to return to normal, next year, which will be his 20th anniversary on the throne of his ancestors.’’
