Onitsha Kingdom celebrates 500-year monarchy, unveils Ofala 2026 logo

The ancient kingdom of Onitsha has unveiled the 2026 Ofala Festival logo and announced plans to mark its over 500 years of unbroken monarchy during the annual Ofala Festival, slated for October 16 and 17.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Ofala Steering Committee, Chief Okechukwu Areh, said the royal design of the logo celebrates its over 500 years of resilience, identity, and progress.

The committee had earlier unveiled the official logo, ‘Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru’ — meaning “Strive and Advance” — as the theme for the celebration.

According to Areh, the 2026 logo is a royal, cultural, and premium visual statement developed to reflect the strength of an institution that has endured for over 500 years, yet remains relevant, progressive, and unifying.

Areh said the theme was both a celebration of the kingdom’s history and a charge to its people to advance its legacy.

He said, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru is both a charge and a celebration. This Ofala, we honour the past by building the future.

“The forebears of the Onitsha people had, for more than 500 years, striven to build, protect and sustain the kingdom. The responsibility of the present generation is to advance that legacy through culture, enterprise, youth development and unity.

“The 2026 logo was conceived as a royal and cultural statement reflecting an institution that had endured for more than five centuries while remaining relevant, progressive and unifying.

Describing Ofala 2026 as “heritage in motion”, rooted in royalty and resilience and moving towards progress, Areh, noted that the “Igba Mbo, Iga N’iru” message was also a call to Ndi Onitsha and Ndi Igbo to strive and advance while preserving their cultural identity and heritage.