US anthropologist Richard Henderson arrives for Ofala festival

An American anthropologist, Richard Henderson, has arrived Onitsha ahead of the much-awaited 2026 Ofala festival.

The author of The King in Every Man, arrived via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from Tucson, Arizona, with Michael Henderson, his son.

A statement by the Ofala strategic marketing and communications team on Tuesday, said the Professor, who lived in Onitsha from 1960 to 1962, will attend the festival as a special guest of Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

“Professor Henderson, who lived among Ndi-Onicha from 1960-62, is that rare onyeocha (Whiteman) who truly listened — learning our language and institutions from within, and giving the world the most authoritative account of what it means to be Onitsha: that kingship, eze, ozo, umunna, ogbe, and the spirit of ani are not relics, but a living system where every man carries the dignity of a king,” the statement reads.

“His book remains not only foundational in Onitsha — respected in palaces and homes— but is also considered a primer on African anthropology.”

The 2026 Ofala festival is scheduled to hold between October 16 and 17.

The Ofala steering committee said the Obi of Onitsha will go into seclusion on October 7 as part of activities marking the 2026 Ofala festival.

The seclusion, known as ‘Inye Ukwu N’Nlo Eze Onicha’, is the most sacred and private part of the Ofala ceremonial cycle.

The monarch will remain in seclusion through the four market days in Igbo land — ‘Orie, Afor, Nkwo and Eke’.

This year’s celebration, with the theme ‘Njiko na Ntachi’ (unity and perseverance), will feature a blend of traditional and contemporary events showcasing the cultural heritage of the Onicha Ado N’Idu kingdom.