The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has begun seven days of seclusion preceding the annual ‘Olojo’ Festival in the ancient city.
Olojo in Yoruba means ‘the day of the first dawn’, but in the lore of Ile-Ife, the Olojo Festival is an annual cultural festival created to celebrate the day the Almighty created the earth.
Speaking before going incommunicado, outside his Ile Oodua palace, Oba Ogunwusi said that he would dedicate this year’s seven-day seclusion to praying for a better Nigeria.
According to Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration while fixing the national economy.
Ooni who thanked God for the privilege to observe this year’s seclusion, described the annual seclusion rite as the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people of the Oduduwa race worldwide and mankind in general.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not use our hands to destroy our country”.Ooni said.
The foremost African monarch admitted that Nigeria is currently in a trying period when the citizens are facing a lot of socioeconomic challenges in all ramifications of life.
“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.
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“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” he stated.
The Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) urged the present government to do more to serve the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.
The Seclusion usually precedes the annual Olojoj celebrations allowing the Ooni to withdraw from the human distractions. It is usually marked by silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing, allowing him to focus solely on the divine communication with the spirits.
During this time, he undertakes solemn prayers and makes offerings, not only on behalf of the Yoruba race but for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the entire nation. It is a time of deep intercession, seeking the favour of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people.
Ooni Ogunwusi will be marking his 9th edition of the Olojo festival on Saturday 28th when he will be appearing to the public with the sacred Crown of Oduduwa known as ‘Ade Are’ worn once a year to commemorate the first day of mankind.
