. . Monarch Celebrates 3rd Ofala Festival
By Abuchi Onwumelu
The traditional ruler of Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor, has crowned Sir Paulinus Aniagboso as the new Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu III) of Agulu Community.
The installation ceremony of Sir Paulinus Aniagboso, KSJI as the new Onowu, took place at Igwe’s palace during the third Ofala festival of Igwe Innocent Innocent Obodoakor. The monarch also marked his twenty-four years on the throne.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the installation, Dr Obinna Aniagboso, son of the new Traditional Prime Minister, the new position of his father received the unanimous endorsement of Agulu People’s Union and expressed confidence that his father would excel in his new role.
‘He has served his community in different capacities, culminating in his service as the 14th President General of Agulu People’s Union from 2012 to 2016, during which time he delivered enormous dividends and left enduring legacies,’ he said, recalling the contributions of his father to the development of the town through his connections.
He described his father as a devout Catholic, a knight of St John International and a committed family man.
The Ofala festival is a special event performed by traditional rulers, aimed at thanking God for their subjects and activities throughout the year.
The event, climaxed with the traditional ruler, Igwe Obodoakor, dancing to the tunes of the Igba-Eze and Ufie music together with his cabinet members, Ndi Ichie and others, to the admiration of guests.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the local calendar containing the community events for the coming year.
For his part, Igwe Obodoakor charged his subjects to emulate the virtues of some of their illustrious sons and daughters and commended Governor Willie Obiano for adequate peace and security in the state.
Earlier in a homily, during a Pontifical High Mass to commemorate the Ofala, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, noted that the Church assisted in promoting the culture and traditions of Ndi Igbo and called for its inculcation in the younger generation for posterity.
The member representing Anaocha I Constituency in the state Assembly, Honourable Ebele Ejiofor, who was conferred with a chieftaincy title, called on the youths to embrace education and skills to be useful to their communities.
In appreciation, the chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Chief Chukwudi Igwe, thanked God for the successful Ofala, describing Igwe Obodoakor as a man of peace who wanted the progress of the community. He called on the people of Agulu to give him more support to strengthen their royal institution.
