The people of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Council Area came out in their numbers to support their traditional ruler, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia, as he celebrates his 2023 Ovala festival.
Ovala is an important festival performed by traditional rulers in Igbo land, which usually marks the anniversary of their ascension to the throne but most importantly, a period for them to address and receive homages from their subjects.
It is also used to give chieftaincy titles to illustrious sons and daughters of the communities and their friends who have excelled in their areas of endeavours and have contributed to the improvement of the community.
Titled “Ovala Oganiru”, the festival which took place at Ama Okpata Public Square, Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri played host to traditional rulers from communities in Anambra East and West Local Government Areas who were led by the traditional ruler of Enugwu Aguleri, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri.
The Ovala reached its climax when Igwe Nwofia stepped out into the arena with members of his cabinet dancing to the Igbaeze.
It was followed by the arrival of the wives of the traditional ruler, Mrs Matilda and Anthonia Nwofia who also exchanged pleasantries with guests and presented the kolanut to the monarch.
Igwe Nwofia while breaking the kolanut, called on every member of the community to pray and work for peace in their community and the neighborhood, while charging their youths to work more towards peaceful coexistence in the community.
Igwe Nwofia highlighted that as an agrarian community that is faced by flooding every year, their highest need is access to affordable health care and made a passionate appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to see to the resumption of work at the abandoned site of the General Hospital, Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr Julius Chukwuemeka expressed happiness at the turn out of Ndi Aguleri for the festival, noting that Igwe Nwofia has done so much for the community including bringing development to the community and in ensuring that peace prevailed between them and their Kogi neighbors.
The President General of Aguleri, Barrister Ifeanyi Iloakasia maintained that Igwe Nwofia is loved by his people because of the wealth of knowledge he has brought to bear in the governance of the community, especially in settling the discord in the community and with their neighbours.
For the Chairman of the Ovala Oganiru Planning Committee, Chief Alex Onukwue, who is also a former National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, the ovala was a huge success because their culture and heritage were highlighted to the admiration of their guests.
In their separate speeches, the traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Ikegbune Chukwuma and the Chairman of Eziagulu-Otu Royal Cabinet, Chief Edwin Okechi testified that since Igwe Nwofia mounted the throne, their community has become the envy of others as he has attracted more developments to Eziagulu-Otu.
Igwe Nwofia later confered chieftaincy title of “Dike Eji Eje Mba” on a former Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili.
Chief Odili promised to dedicate his time and resources to the development of Ndi Aguleri.
Presentations to the traditional ruler by his people, masquerading and other cultural displays also featured at the Ovala festival.
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