In Yorubaland, Aje literally means wealth and many people in the productive age bracket struggle to make money through their individual professional callings, trades and other occupational activities.
However, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the cradle of Yorubaland, Aje is a deity that is celebrated every year to invoke blessings and boost the commerce of not only the South-West, but also the entire nation. Thus, this year’s celebration of Aje festival was not without its pomp, glamour and display of African cultural heritage as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, led thousands of Ife indigenes, market men and women, financial experts and business tycoons across the country during the celebration.
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Speaking at the event hosted inside his Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, the traditional ruler explained that Aje is a deity in charge of wealth and economic prosperity, adding that it has a great positive influence on the world’s economy.
According to Oba Ogunwusi, the first trade and commerce in the world started at the popular Igbo-mekun (Ojaife) market in Ile Ife, stressing that the role played by the Igbo people of the present day Southeastern part of country in the development of market activities cannot be overemphasised.
He stated, “we must go back to our history, this celebration belongs to all, including our brothers and sisters from the eastern part this country. Igbo people are naturally part of this celebration, because Nigeria’s economy won’t be complete without mentioning them.
“In the ancient days, the Igbo were part of the natives in Ile Ife from Omirin quarters, we were one big happy family before they left for the eastward to where they are today from where a section of them left in a clockwise migration to become Jews, that’s why there are enormous similarities between the Jewish and Igbo till date.”
He, however, disputed the notion that Igbo people migrated from the Jews, saying “unlike the erroneous perspectives that they were from the Jews, the correct notion is that the Jews left Igbo land for their current location in Ethiopia, Israel and around the world.”
Commenting on the 2019 general election, Oba Ogunwusi who is the co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria admonished that only a peaceful election can guarantee wealth and prosperity, just as he tasked the electoral umpire and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible polls for the stability of the country.
In her remark, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said that Aje is one of the most powerful among all Yoruba deities, considering its economic potential and impacts on the development of the society.
While expressing her belief in the celebration, she assured Nigerians that the country’s economy would receive a boost soonest, advising all and sundry to promote Yoruba cultural traditional heritage.
The coordinator of Aje Annual Festival, Princess Toyin Kolade, lauded the turnout of participants at this year’s edition, saying people all over the world were beginning to appreciate cultural tourism revolution embarked upon by the Ooni of Ife as an instrument for economic advancement.
The Lagos-based business tycoon who is the Iyalaje of Apapa described Aje as a spirit that determines the daily survival of human beings, just as she charged Nigerian government to collaborate effectively with cultural institutions in showcasing the festival to the world.
Kolade said, “I am so elated with this turnout today, it shows that our people really appreciate the Arole Oodua Ooni of Ife who has stopped at nothing in his quest to liberate the society through his cultural tourism revolution. If the government can join him by investing heavily in the tourism sector, the whole world will always see Nigeria as a pilgrimage destination which will in return grow our national income as a country.”
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