Ooni’s Palace clarifies Olori’s Osun Grove visit, denies conflict narratives

The House of Oduduwa has dismissed reports linking Queen Ashley Afolasade Ojaja Ogunwusi’s visit to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove with any form of institutional conflict, describing such claims as misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Olori’s visit was strictly spiritual and in line with Yoruba traditional practices.

Olafare stated that the Queen, in her capacity as Yeye Omi Oodua, visited the grove to offer prayers and perform appeasement rites to the Osun River ahead of the forthcoming Odun Omi festival scheduled to hold in Ile-Ife.

He said the visit did not involve any pronouncement suggesting relocation, replication, or interference with the Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The Palace further clarified that the Olori’s engagement at the grove reflected cultural courtesy, noting that her acknowledgement of Osun worshippers in Osogbo should not be interpreted as consultation or formal collaboration with any traditional institution.

Olafare added that the House of Oduduwa holds the stool of the Ataoja of Osogbo in high regard and recognises the custodial significance of the Osun-Osogbo festival within Osogbo.

He stated that Odun Omi remains a distinct spiritual observance rooted in Ile-Ife and does not conflict with the Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The Palace reiterated that Ile-Ife remains the spiritual nucleus of Yoruba civilisation, stressing that all rites under the Ooni’s authority are guided by this heritage.

Olafare urged the public and media to disregard narratives suggesting discord, maintaining that the Palace remains committed to preserving Yoruba culture in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.