By John Dike, Osogbo
The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Monday offered special prayers for Nigeria and its leaders as activities marking the 2026 Aje Festival reached their climax at the historic Ile Oodua Palace in Ile‑Ife.
He used the spiritual and cultural occasion to express optimism about the nation’s economic direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing ongoing reforms as bold but necessary steps toward long-term prosperity.
In a statement by the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni acknowledged that the reforms initially came with hardship, but noted that they are gradually laying a sustainable foundation for economic stability, improved revenue generation and renewed investor confidence.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, stressing that transformational policies require collective sacrifice and faith in national leadership. The monarch said the country’s economic revival is achievable through unity, resilience and continued prayers.
Highlighting the cultural importance of the festival, the Ooni said the Aje celebration remains a sacred platform for invoking blessings of abundance, prosperity and national development.
He added that engagement with Aje — revered in Yoruba cosmology as the deity of wealth and profitable trade — symbolises divine favour and economic fortune.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and stakeholders to sustain moral and spiritual support for government reforms, noting that discipline and accountability will ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.
The Idowu Adediwura, Obalufe of Ife, joined in prayers for peace and prosperity, emphasising unity as the foundation for national development, while the Ademola Adeyeye commended the Ooni for elevating the festival’s global profile and promoting development in Ile-Ife.
Global Coordinator of Aje Festival International, Toyin Kolade, described the festival as a convergence of spirituality, culture and commerce, adding that this year’s edition was designed to advance economic empowerment, women’s development and international trade rooted in Yoruba heritage.
The 2026 festival, themed “Trading for Prosperity: Aje, The Cultural Commerce,” ran from January 6 to February 16, featuring pre-festival engagements, empowerment programmes, trade summits, cultural displays and humanitarian initiatives.
The celebration culminated in a grand royal procession to the sacred Aje Shrine at Ejigbomẹkun Market, where prayers were offered for prosperity, economic stability and national progress.
Dignitaries at the event included traditional rulers, cultural leaders, entertainers, devotees and guests from across Nigeria and the diaspora, underscoring the festival’s growing role as a platform for cultural revival, heritage diplomacy and economic engagement.
