Ndi Eziagulu-Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area have celebrated the maiden Ovala festival of their traditional ruler, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia.

The Community which is situated on the island of Omabala river used the opportunity to celebrate the last Ovala of their first traditional ruler, Igwe Titus Nwatah.

Amaka Chibuzor Okoye was there for ABS and  reports that Ndi Eziagulu-Otu in company of the cabinet members matched down  with their traditional ruler, Igwe Nwofia from his Amaokpaata palace with okanga igba eze to the abode of Late Igwe Titus Nwatah to pay their last respect.

The Ojiana, Ndi Ichie and the ruling age grade of the community welcomed Igwe Nwofia and prayed to their ancestors for a peaceful reign and development of the community as he later moved to Ovala ground for the celebration .

Igwe Nwofia during the kolanut rituals, prayed God to bless the land and his subjects especially for the progress and development of the community by giving the area a face lift.

Speaking during the festival, the Member Representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, thanked God, Ndi Eziagulu-Otu and Governor Willie Obiano for stability in the area adding that the program is a demonstration that the Igwe is a core Igbo man who once in a year bring his subjects together to pray for peace and oneness and applauded the community for the solidarity shown in support of their monarch.

A cabinet Chief of the community, Chief Alex Onukwue who is the National President of Anambra state Association of Town Unions, ASATU, expressing happiness that the community was in joyous mood because God has sent them a servant leader nothing that with Igwe Nwofia, their community will witness turn around advising him to hold unto God for wisdom and knowledge to pilot the affairs of the community.

The traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Beneath Emeka said as brothers,he came with his cabinet to show support and solidarity to Igwe Nwofia, advising him to be a good listener and accommodate advice for a successful reign.

Igwe Nwofia later conferred  chieftaincy title on  some individuals including Chief Nnamdi Onukwube who assured  that he will support the community in seeing to the development  especially  helping in stopping open defecation by building  toilet facilities  at the garage.

Other traditional rulers attended the Ovala festival including the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo in company of his Enugwu Aguleri counterpart, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, his Enugwu Otu Aguleri counterpart, Igwe Emmanuel Obiora and that of Mkpubando Aguleri, Igwe Johnson Mbanefo.

Paying of homage to the traditional ruler, Igwe Nwofia starting with his wives, Lolo Mathilda and Anthonia Nwofia as well as other side attractions added glamour to the event.