Ambassador Raffy Bell has extended felicitation to the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on this year’s Olojo Festival celebration.
In a statement by his Media Team on Friday made available to newsmen, the erstwhile Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden in his goodwill message described Oba Ogunwusi Ojaja II as a blessing to the entire Yoruba race, while noting that the monarch’s reign has brought unprecedented development to Ile Ife, Osun State and the entire Yoruba nation.
The former Nigerian Diplomat described Ile Ife as the custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage, while emphasizing that the rich Yoruba culture could be tapped for economic prosperity and tourist attractions for the benefit of people of Ile Ife in particular and Nigeria by extension.
Mr Bell in his words prayed for longer reign of the monarch on the throne of his forefathers, and for peaceful co-existence among the smaller units that made up the entire Yoruba nation.
However, it is not over-statement that the throne of Oonirisa plays significant roles in the entire Yoruba race, while Ile Ife remains the focal point of the history for the sons and daughters of Oduduwa.
Recall that Olojo Festival is held yearly and solely in the ancient city of Ile Ife, Osun State, South West Nigeria.
It is the biggest cultural event for all the descendants of Oduduwa and by extension the entire mankind to celebrate their root and existence.
It is held in honour of the reigning Oba (king) of Ile Ife and is celebrated on the day of the new yam festival, which usually falls in September. The 2023 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile Ife started from Friday September to Monday October 2nd 2023.
Historically during the festival, the oba performs various rituals and ceremonies, including the Olojo Egungun (masquerade) ceremony, which is one of the most important events of the festival.
The egungun is a representation of the ancestors and is believed to bring blessings to the community. Other activities during the festival include traditional dances, music and feasting.
The festival also features a colourful display of cultural artifacts, art and craftsmanship. It is also an opportunity for the people to express their loyalty and allegiance to the Oba, as well as to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the Yoruba people.
More significantly, the festival celebrates the unity, beauty and unification of the Yoruba race worldwide as embedded in the festival’s tagline as “One Yoruba, One Source, One Festival”.
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