Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commenced 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, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni would use the period to pray for Nigeria and seek divine intervention for the peace, unity and sustainable progress of the country.
Speaking shortly before entering seclusion, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said Nigeria remained greater than the individual interests of politicians and urged political leaders to ensure that their differences did not undermine the country’s sovereignty and unity.
“My message for Nigeria as a nation is that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. We should always strive very hard not to utter anything that will affect our sovereignty,” the Ooni said.
The foremost monarch appealed to politicians to put the welfare of Nigerians above political differences, stressing the need for leaders to continuously seek ways of improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
“I am appealing to our politicians. They might have differences, but we should know ultimately that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. It is very important for our political leaders to always look inwardly on how to better the lot of the average Nigerians,” he said.
The Ooni further said his prayers during the seclusion would cover the country’s democratic process, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.
He also commended the people of Osun State for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, describing the outcome as an indication of the power of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.
According to him, the electoral process should continue to provide Nigerians with the opportunity to freely make their choices.
The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying such developments could strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
He, however, appealed to politicians to avoid actions and utterances capable of threatening national cohesion, reminding them that political power is temporary.
“Some have ruled this country before as political leaders, and others will come after them,” the Ooni said, urging political leaders to always remember the larger national interest.
The Ooni also said he would devote part of his prayers to Nigerian youths, expressing hope that they would enjoy the dividends of democracy and have better opportunities to contribute to the development of the country.
The Ooni explained that the seven-day seclusion would also provide him an opportunity to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites associated with the Olojo Festival.
“As I am going into seclusion, that deprives me of every human relationship. I will have to connect with my ancestors more, in an atmosphere of divinity,” he said.
He added that the spiritual exercise was part of the annual preparation towards the wearing of the sacred Aare Crown, describing the period as an important opportunity to honour the traditions and legacies handed down by the ancestors.
The Olojo Festival, traditionally associated with “the Day of the First Dawn,” is a major cultural and spiritual celebration in Ile-Ife. It is rooted in the ancient traditions of the city regarded in Yoruba history as the cradle of creation and the source of Yoruba civilisation.
The festival provides an avenue for the preservation of indigenous traditions, ancestral heritage and cultural identity, while attracting traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora to Ile-Ife.
With the commencement of the Ooni’s seven-day seclusion, the spiritual phase of the 2026 Olojo Festival has officially begun, ahead of the public activities and ceremonies that will culminate in the Ooni’s appearance in the sacred crown associated with the festival.
