Olojo Festival: Ooni begins 7-day seclusion, prays for Nigeria
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has begun a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The seclusion, which began on Sunday evening, is part of the traditional and spiritual rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival, one of the most significant cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.
A statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni would use the period to pray for Nigeria and seek divine intervention for the country’s peace, unity and sustainable progress.
Speaking before entering seclusion, the Ooni, who is also Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said Nigeria was greater than politicians’ individual interests. He urged political leaders not to allow their differences to undermine the country’s sovereignty and unity.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying this could strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
The Ooni also commended Osun State residents for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, describing the outcome as evidence of citizens’ power to choose their leaders through the ballot.
He said the electoral process should continue to give Nigerians the opportunity to make free choices, adding that his prayers during the seclusion would cover the country’s democracy, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.
Ooni Ogunwusi added that the seclusion would deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare him for the sacred rites associated with the Olojo Festival.
