By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
It was like a classic movie yesterday, January 6th 2024 as the ancient town of Aguleri celebrated its 124 Ovala festival.
Ovala, which is highly celebrated in Aguleri, the ancestral home of the Igbos, is deeply rooted in spirituality. It is usually the time for the monarch, Ezeudo Aguleri, who is the chief celebrant, to fulfill certain obligations. It is time when the monarch appears in public to negotiate the fortune of the kingdom with his subjects. The monarch also reviews his army and obtains assurance of loyalty from his redcap chiefs (Ndi Ichie).
In the olden days, the Igwe was rarely seen in public; hence the Ovala Aguleri provided an opportunity for his subjects to have a glimpse of him and pay homage. This tradition has continued over the years.
The festival lasts for 6 days, during which royal dance is displayed, among other traditional activities. The first day, known as Aguleri Youth day and Children's day, is primarily for the young people. It is organized and attended by the youths.
On 3rd January, Aguleri had her annual Okanga lecture at Ikenga Igboezunu Hall and 5th January was Ada festival, a rich display of the once dreaded Ada Masquerade which drew a mammoth crowd of youths from the neighbouring towns.
The Ovala fiesta is the main event where the monarch, in his full royal regalia, parades his palace in three different occasions and performs war dance in full view of the people present.
During this performance, his subjects, visitors and other interested groups.
A remarkable feature of the Ovala Fiesta was the chieftaincy titles conferement. Beneficiaries are: His Excellency, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR, Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador, Benin Republic, who was honoured with *Ochiagha Dike Eji Eje Ogwu n'Aguleri*, in recognition of his roles in the security of lives and property in the nation, and particularly Anambra State during the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano; and Chief Mrs Maureen Chinyere Odili, wife of His Honour, Chief Primus Odili, Chief of Staff to the former Governor Obiano during the second tenure. She was honoured with the title, *Ugo Belu n'oji* in recognition of her philanthropic foundation on girl-child education wherein more than 50 students have been enrolled. By the chieftaincy conferment, she was inducted to the esteemed Iyom Aguleri Women Society.
Today is Ovala thanksgiving. There after, there will be cultural extravaganza for Igwe's subjects, made up of various societies and in their uniforms, to display. Each group will dance and pay homage to the monarch.