On October 16th, 2025, the historic palace of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, will once again come alive with creativity, color, and culture as Oreze – The King’s Crowd opens its 11th edition.
This highly anticipated group exhibition features a rich blend of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and installation art, serving as one of the major cultural highlights of the Ofala Festival the annual royal celebration of the Onitsha Kingdom.
Instituted by Agbogidi himself, the exhibition was conceived to add vibrancy to the Ofala celebrations while deepening public appreciation for the business and beauty of art. Beyond celebration, Oreze is a visionary step towards the construction of the Chimedie Museum, a legacy project designed to preserve and showcase Onitsha’s artistic and cultural heritage.
It is no surprise that such a royal initiative thrives under the patronage of Igwe Achebe, who is not only a revered monarch but also one of Africa’s foremost collectors of art and a passionate advocate for cultural preservation.
For the past eleven years, George Edozie, a University of Benin–trained artist, Lagos-based studio practitioner, and proud indigene of Onitsha, has curated Oreze with dedication and vision. His tireless work has transformed the exhibition into a national and continental art showcase. Edozie, who currently serves as the President of the Guild of Nigerian Artists, has brought to Onitsha the works of over 250 artists and displayed more than 2,000 art pieces since Oreze’s inception.
The exhibition has featured celebrated masters such as Ben Enwonwu, Oseloka Osadebe (of the famed Zaria Rebels), Bruce Onobrakpeya, Duke Isidore, Chinwe Uwatse, Abiodun Olaku, Wiz Kudowo, Edosa Oguigo, Dominique Zinkpe, Olisa Nwadiogbu, Emma Mbanefo and many others. What began as a local showcase of Onitsha indigenous artists has now grown into an international platform, attracting participants from Ghana, Senegal, Benin Republic, and across Nigeria.
Through Oreze, Onitsha is fast becoming a hub for cultural and creative tourism. Visitors drawn to the Ofala Festival now have the added delight of exploring world-class art within the palace walls an experience that blends tradition with modern creativity. The exhibition not only supports the growth of local artists but also stimulates tourism, hospitality, and commerce within the city. By the way this year’s Ofala is themed “Njiko na Ntachi” (Unity and Perseverance), We are seeing it manifest in the art circle in Onitsha.
This year’s edition runs from October 16th to October 20th, 2025, offering residents, visitors, and art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the splendor of artistic excellence and royal celebration side by side.
As you join Agbogidi and the Onitsha Kingdom in celebrating the Ofala Festival, make sure to visit Oreze – The King’s Crowd where art meets royalty, and creativity becomes a bridge between culture, community, and the future.
