Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Saturday announced his emergence from a seven-day seclusion as part of the Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In a post on Instagram, the monarch said he had spent the period in communion with God and the spirits of ancestors, praying for peace, prosperity and unity in Nigeria, Africa and for the children of Oduduwa across the world.
“After seven sacred days in deep communion with Eledumare and the spirits of our ancestors, I emerge renewed carrying the prayers of my people and the hopes of generations,” the Ooni wrote.
“Today, I rise with divine strength, to wear the sacred Aare Crown, invoking peace, prosperity, and unity for Nigeria, Africa, and all the children of Oduduwa across the world. This is more than tradition. This is destiny. This is the new dew dawn.”
The Olojo Festival, one of the oldest in Yoruba tradition, features the monarch’s annual retreat, during which he withdraws from public life to intercede on behalf of his people.
The highlight comes when he adorns the sacred Aare Crown, believed to be the original crown of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba race.
This year’s edition, themed “Cultural Rebirth,” began on Thursday with cultural events including traditional games, a talent hunt and a colloquium on heritage and youth empowerment.
The Ooni will wear the Aare Crown on Saturday, with celebrations continuing through Monday.
While the Ooni was in seclusion, his wife, Olori Ashley Folasade, represented him at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in Ibadan.
The coronation at Mapo Hall was attended by President Bola Tinubu, governors, former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
Among the monarchs present were the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Olugbo of Ugbo Oba Obateru Akinruntan, the Timi of Edeland Oba Munirudeen Lawal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III.
Earlier in the week, the Ooni paid a visit to Ladoja at his Bodija residence, where the Olubadan urged unity among Yoruba monarchs.
The coronation ceremony began with rites at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before Oba Ladoja proceeded to Mapo Hall, where governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff and instruments of office.
Ladoja succeeded Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7.
