THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OFALA FESTIVAL IN NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE

SUMMARY

This study analyzed the significance of traditional African festivals using the Ofala festival in Nnewi as a case study. The study makes us realize that festivals can play an economic, social, cultural, political, religious role in people's lives or the community at large. Furthermore, the study talks about the geography and the traditions of origin of the Nnewi people. It gives different accounts about the tradition of origin of the people and also some of their cultural practices which makes them slightly different from other Igbo community. For example, it is an abomination for the Nnewi people to eat Bush rats and also pythons. And this is because of the role and relationship that they played and had regarding the origin of the people. The study also examined the origin and nature of the Ofala festival. The term Ofala is derived from two words "Ofo" meaning Authority and "Ala" meaning Land. The festival began to be celebrated about 700 years ago at the time of Ezechima who was the first monarch who settled in the area now known as Onitsha. In Nnewi, the festival began to be celebrated to mark the anniversary of the King and sometimes it is celebrated after his death. It started to be celebrated during the 1950s. 67 The festival is celebrated in Nnewi as an event that helps to promote peace between the people and also between their neighbouring communities. It is important to note that before the Ofala festival, the King goes into days of isolation and during this period he communicates with the gods on the behalf of the people. The day the King comes out to be seen by his subjects is known as the Ofala. Entertainment from people of the different quarters, the council of elders, women groups, age grade groups and also the masquerade cult members are showcased during the festival . Coronation of chiefs is also done during the Ofala festival. Furthermore, the study examines the significance of the Ofala festival in the different facets of human life. The festival has a religious significance which comprises of the ritual and cultural practices that are carried out during the ceremony. From the period of isolation which is the period of intensive communion with the gods on behalf of the people. The breaking of the kolanut which is also very important during the festival is a religious ritual activity which takes place during the festival. The breaking of the kolanut by the King after which he says a prayer for the land and blesses the people before the kolanut is later shared to the people. This symbolises oneness and unity. Through the religious rituals performed during the festival, the festival helps to preserve the life of the community and it helps in enhancing continuity. 68 The cultural significance of the celebration of the Ofala festival is that it helps with the preservation of the culture of the people with the help of the festival is through songs and dance. With the unique music and musical instruments especially the "Egwuota" which is the royal drum and it is only played during the three appearances of the King. The culture of the people is also preserved through their beautiful dresses. The royal regalia worn by the King with his feathered crown also the white regalia and the royal crown known as "Okpu Ododo" . Also the use of masquerade which the people believe are the dead ancestors which are back to the human world and that they came with messages from the spirits also perform during the Ofala festival and they help to preserve the culture of the people. The festival is a period of entertainment and merry -making. The festival helps to promote peace and unity. With the ceremony people from different parts of the community come together to partake in the ceremony that is all about love, unity and peace. The festival also helps to promote inter- group relations and co- operation. During the Ofala festival, the different groups in the village use this medium to relate and interact with each other. With this, the festival helps in strengthening the relationship between the communities. The festival also helps to bring recognition to the community. With the celebration it attracts visitors from all over who would help to enhance life of the people through tourism. The festival helps with the realisation of talent. It gives room for the youths to showcase their talents either through music, dance and other acrobatic displays. It also gives room for sponsorships and investment. It also encourages enterprise through the sales of souvenirs, sacrificial items and drinks to people which serves as a source of wealth. The festival also play an important role politically to the people and their community at large. It gives the people the opportunity to renew their loyalty to the King through their chants, praises and also through gifts. It also serves as a gathering of discussion concerning the welfare and development of the community.