Ooni begins Olojo seclusion, prays for peace, national unity

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has commenced a seven-day seclusion as part of traditional rites marking the annual Olojo Festival, one of the oldest and most sacred cultural events in Yoruba land.

The revered monarch, regarded as the spiritual leader of the Oduduwa race, announced that this year’s seclusion will be dedicated to prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable progress.

In a statement issued by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, the monarch urged traditional rulers across the Yoruba nation and beyond to embrace unity as a vital instrument for collective development and national cohesion.

“I am praying for Nigeria and for Nigerians. I seek God’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress, and the blessings of the Almighty,” the Ooni declared before entering seclusion.

Oba Ogunwusi also appealed to citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divides, saying Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. He further called on political leaders to act with fairness, justice, and compassion, reminding them that true leadership involves prioritising the welfare of the people.

The Olojo Festival—literally meaning “Day of the First Dawn”—commemorates the creation of the earth. The week-long seclusion is a spiritual purification process during which the Ooni refrains from public appearances, engaging instead in meditation, prayer, and ancestral communion.

The ritual prepares the monarch for the festival’s climax, where he emerges wearing the sacred Aare Crown, believed to be the original crown worn by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people.

The festival not only highlights Ile-Ife’s spiritual centrality in Yoruba civilisation but also unites indigenes and visitors in a celebration of culture, identity, and faith.

Earlier on Sunday, before entering seclusion, the Ooni paid a historic visit to Ibadan to meet the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, the current Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas.

While regretting his absence from the Olubadan’s coronation later this week—due to its clash with the seclusion rites—Ooni Ogunwusi reiterated his solidarity with the people of Ibadan and the entire Yoruba nation.

The Olubadan, in response, praised the Ooni for his unrelenting efforts in promoting Yoruba unity, describing him as a source of inspiration and a symbol of cultural preservation.

“If all Yoruba monarchs come together with one voice and vision, we can reshape the future of our people. Kabiyesi Oonirisa, your leadership is invaluable, and I hope to learn much from your experience,” said Oba Ladoja.

As the Olojo Festival 2025 gathers momentum, the Ooni’s message of unity, peace, and progress resonates deeply across Nigeria, especially at a time when the nation grapples with socio-political and economic challenges.