The ancient kingdom of Aguleri exploded in a kaleidoscope of colours last weekend to mark its 115th Ovala Festival. It was a feast of culture and opulence as the illustrious sons and daughters of Aguleri turned up in their largest number to celebrate with their Igwe – Eze C. N Idigo IV (Ogalagidi) as he marked yet another great year on the throne of his fathers.
The 4-day cultural festival began on Friday with a rich display of the once dreaded Ada Masquerade which drew a mammoth crowd of youths from the neighbouring towns. There was also a ceremony for the induction of new members into the Igwe’s Cabinet as well as the ceremonial firing of royal cannons and a lot of drumming and dancing.
The event climaxed on Saturday January 3as it was the main Ovala Day. It attracted an unprecedented crowd of very important personalities like government functionaries, congressmen and women, captains of industry, cultural aficionados, venerated royal fathers, the clergy, the youths and the elderly from all over Anambra State and beyond.
The ebullient governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano who is also a cabinet member in his hometown of Aguleri graced the occasion with some members of his cabinet and added colour to the day.
One of the highpoints of the event was the conferment of the title of Iboibo Aguleri on Chief Sir Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of APGA.
