By George Omagbemi
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has entered a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The traditional exercise began on Sunday evening as part of the annual spiritual rites preceding the festival, one of the most significant cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.
According to the Ooni’s Palace, the monarch will dedicate the period to prayers for peace, unity and sustainable progress in Nigeria, while deepening his spiritual connection with his ancestors.
The seclusion also marks the beginning of preparations for the sacred rites associated with the wearing of the Aare Crown during the festival.
Before entering seclusion, the Ooni urged Nigerian political leaders to place the interests of citizens and the nation above personal and partisan considerations.
He stressed that political power is temporary and appealed to leaders to focus on improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The 2026 Olojo Festival is scheduled for September 24 to 28 in Ile-Ife, bringing together traditional leaders, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora.
The annual celebration remains an important platform for preserving Ile-Ife’s indigenous traditions, ancestral heritage and cultural identity.
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