By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Sunday entered into a sacred seven-day seclusion as part of the traditional rites heralding the annual Olojo Festival, one of the oldest and most revered cultural celebrations in Yoruba land.
Addressing the media before entering seclusion, the Ooni dedicated this year’s spiritual observance to prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of unity among traditional rulers and the broader Oduduwa race across the world.
He prayed: “I am praying for Nigeria and Nigerians. I seek God’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress, and the blessings of the Almighty.
“To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa everywhere, I urge you: be peaceful, be united, and let us work together for progress.”
Olojo, meaning “Day of the First Dawn,” is an ancient festival that commemorates the creation of the earth by the Almighty and the descent of Oduduwa. It symbolizes renewal, creation, and spiritual authority, and reinforces Ile-Ife’s position as the cradle of Yoruba civilization and humanity at large.
During the festival, the Ooni undergoes a period of seclusion, spiritual cleansing, and deep prayers, abstaining from public functions while seeking divine direction for his people and the nation.
The high point of the festival is the monarch’s appearance in the sacred Aare Crown, believed to be the original crown won by Oduduwa himself.
The Ooni then leads traditional rites and prayers at historic sites across Ile-Ife, offering spiritual leadership and blessing his subjects.
Calls for National Unity and Responsible Leadership
While addressing the nation before retreating, the Ooni made passionate appeals to Nigerians, especially political and traditional leaders, to embrace values of unity, peace, justice, and compassion.
“No society can thrive when its leaders ignore the cries of the people. Leadership must always prioritize the welfare of the masses,” he said.
He urged citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divisions, noting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and only through collective effort can national prosperity be achieved.
Earlier on the same day, the Ooni visited Ibadan to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the current Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas.
The visit was symbolic, as the Ooni will not be able to attend the Olubadan’s coronation ceremony scheduled for later in the week due to the coincidence with his Olojo seclusion rites.
The Ooni was received by a large crowd, including Ibadan indigenes, Mogajis (family heads), and other traditional rulers. In his remarks, the Olubadan lauded the Ooni for his leadership, unity efforts, and dedication to Yoruba heritage.
Oba Ladoja said, “Kabiyesi Oonirisa, your presence here is an honour. You have sacrificed so much to unite the Yoruba people and our brothers and sisters worldwide.
“Traditional rulers are not only leaders; we are symbols of hope and protection. I hope to learn from you, Kabiyesi. You’ve been on the throne for ten years—no small feat. I count it a blessing that you will be one of my teachers.”
Both monarchs emphasized the need for traditional rulers to prioritize unity over division. The Olubadan echoed the Ooni’s call for the strengthening of shared cultural institutions and values that bind the Yoruba nation together.
As the Olojo Festival 2025 builds momentum, the Ooni’s actions and prayers serve as a beacon of hope and direction for millions of Nigerians who look to traditional institutions for moral guidance and national healing.
