Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Sunday commenced seven days seclusion, preparatory to the adorning of ‘Are’ crown, worn once a year by the paramount ruler.
Before going into the seclusion, the Oonihad visited ‘Ile ‘mole’, a shrine in Moore for prayers and later moved to the seclusion where he would remain incommunicado till Friday evening.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja 11,Oonirisa of Ife Land in a Crowd with [Ade aree]during the 2016 Olojo festival celebration in Ile Ife Osun State. PHOTO: AKEEM SALA
Unveiling a betting company as the media sponsor of this year’s Olojo Festival, the Ooni called on the media to assist in creating positive awareness about Yoruba traditional festivals. On what he will be doing during the seclusion, the Ooni answered that during the period, he would offer prayers for the country and its leadership. The monarch stated that throughout the duration of his seclusion, that he would not neither receive visitors not be seen seen outside.
According to the Ooni, “Our ancestors will be appeased during the period and by the time I reemerged on Saturday for the grand finale, the rites will be concluded.”
“It is a celebration of creation of the universe and many visitors from within the country and the diaspora will come around to celebrate with us. My duty is specifically to offer prayers and that I will do to the best of my ability, ” The Ooni also declared.
On the significance of the festival, the royal father said Olojo is the celebration of first dusk and dawn and creation of the universe. He also assured that he would continue to work towards promoting all notable cultural festivals in Yorubaland.
