Olojo Festival: Ooni begins seven-day seclusion

The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has commenced a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun.

The annual seclusion, which began on Sunday evening, forms part of the traditional rites preceding the Olojo Festival, a major cultural and spiritual celebration associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.

The Ooni, who is Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said he would devote the period to prayers for peace, unity and sustainable development in Nigeria.

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Speaking before entering the seclusion, the monarch urged political leaders to place the interest of the country above personal and partisan considerations, stressing that Nigeria was greater than the ambitions of individual politicians.

He said political differences should not be allowed to threaten national sovereignty and unity, while appealing to leaders to focus on improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

The Ooni also said his prayers would cover Nigeria’s democratic process and the welfare of the youths, commending Nigerians for their participation in the recently concluded Osun governorship election and describing the ballot as an important means through which citizens determine their leaders.

He further commended President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying political leaders should remember that power was temporary and that others would eventually succeed them.

According to the monarch, the seven-day seclusion would also enable him to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites leading to the wearing of the Aare Crown.