Written and compiled by Mutiu sukurat m.
The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has begun a sacred seven-day seclusion ahead of the grand finale of the 2024 Olojo Festival, an act rooted in the spiritual well-being of the community and the Yoruba people. The monarch describes this annual ritual as his most sacred responsibility, allowing him to commune with his ancestors and pray for the well-being of the entire Oduduwa race and humanity.
During the seclusion, Ooni Ogunwusi offers prayers for Nigerians and all of mankind, seeking divine intervention for various challenges facing the nation. He emphasized the need to preserve the traditional values of the Yoruba people in the face of increasing Western influence, noting that the festival continues to play a crucial role in upholding the cultural heritage.
“For us in Yoruba land, we still uphold our heritage, and that’s why we celebrate the first dawn when the crown comes out for blessings,” the Ooni said, referring to the revered ‘Aare Crown’ that only appears once a year and is believed to have life.
Weighing approximately 50 kilograms, the crown is believed to possess the power to alter weather patterns due to its spiritual significance. “The crown does everything a human being does,” Ooni added. “It’s spiritual, very different from all crowns.”
The monarch attested to the crown’s power to transform difficulties into successes, stating that he had personally experienced many miracles during his nine years on the throne. “I have made requests to God through the crown, and I have never been disappointed,” he said.
Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, highlighted the monarch’s prayers for Nigeria’s economic stability during this year’s seclusion, expressing hope for divine intervention.
The ongoing Olojo Festival features a variety of events, including traditional games, cultural performances, and community cleansing ceremonies. The grand finale, set for September 28, will include the Aare Cultural Procession and official celebrations, while other events will continue until September 30, marking the close of the festival with ancestral propitiations and cultural talent showcases.
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