History; Meet the man that Revitalized Ofala onitsha and Changed the Course igbo Cultural festival!

Obi Alphonsus Okechukwu Okagbue, The longest Obi on the throne of Onitsha, He Ruled for 31 years (1970 – 2001).. the Igwe ofala okagbue in 1971 set the pace and standards for what Onitsha and so many igbo communities are enjoying today..

He emerged as the 20th Obi of onitsha on November 25, 1970, His enthronement came at a crucial time, as the igbo people emerged from the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Onitsha required a leader who could ensure stability, cultural revival, and economic growth.

One of his greatest legacies was revitalizing the Ofala Festival, an annual celebration reaffirming the Obi’s spiritual and political authority. The 1971 Ofala Festival, held a year after his coronation, was a landmark event that strengthened Onitsha’s cultural identity. The festival continues to be one of the most significant Igbo cultural events, drawing attendees from across Nigeria and beyond..

Igwe Okagbue’s 31-year reign remains one of the longest in Onitsha’s history. His leadership was defined by cultural preservation, infrastructural development, and national influence. He was a unifying figure who worked tirelessly to foster peace and collaboration among his people. His efforts extended beyond Onitsha, as he played a key role in promoting Igbo culture and traditions nationally and internationally.