The Round Palace Ogbunike came alive on December 24, 2022, as the Igwe in Council, in consultation with the family of HRM Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora (Ezedioramma 1 of Ogbunike) and the entire Ogbunike community held the last Ofala Festival for the revered monarch.

The cultural event, which featured the Ogbunike Progressive Union, Council of Ndi-Ichie, Ndi Nze Na Ozo, Umuada Ogbunike, Ndi Ekwu Na Iyom, Ogbunike youths and cultural troupes, took place at the Ofala Ground, right inside the Round Palace of Igwe Ogbunike.

Speaking on the significance of Last Ofala, Chief Anene said: “The Last Ofala was organised in honour of HRM Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora (Ezedioramma 1 of Ogbunike), our quintessential monarch whose glamorous reign for 45 years on the throne brought fame, dignity and development to Ogbunike community and glamour to traditional institution and monarchy.”

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Chief Osadebe, who is the Traditional Prime Minister of Ogbunike, informed that the celebration was in accordance with the custom, tradition and culture of Ogbunike, adding, “it’s an occasion and period when the king (Igwe) is accorded befitting honour and celebrated for his exceptional services to the community. It’s a chronicle of assessment of progress made during the reign of a king, monarch or Igwe from coronation to the end of his reign.”

Though, the flamboyant monarch joined his ancestors on April 28, 2020, the news was made public on May 8, 2020, in compliance with the constitution and tradition of the community.