The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday commenced a seven-day spiritual seclusion in preparation for the 2026 Olojo Festival, scheduled to take place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, from September 24 to 28.
According to a statement issued by Sodiq Lawal, the monarch’s spokesman, the period of seclusion would provide the Ooni an opportunity to offer prayers for divine intervention, peace, unity and sustainable development in Nigeria.
“The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), 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,” said the statement.
The monarch said his prayers would also focus on Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly the country’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. He urged politicians to refrain from statements and actions capable of undermining national unity, stressing that political power is not permanent.
Ogunwusi explained that the seclusion forms part of the traditional and spiritual observances that precede the annual Olojo Festival, regarded as one of the major cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.
“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.
“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 Nigerian.”
The Ooni also commended the people of Osun State for their participation in the recently concluded governorship election, saying the exercise demonstrated the ability of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.
He maintained that the electoral system should continue to provide Nigerians with the opportunity to freely exercise their franchise and choose their preferred leaders.
Ogunwusi further praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “non-interference” in the affairs of the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that such developments could help build public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The traditional ruler said Nigerian youths would also feature prominently in his prayers during the seclusion. He expressed hope that young Nigerians would benefit from democratic governance and gain greater opportunities to play meaningful roles in the nation’s development.
The Ooni added that the period of seclusion would enable him to strengthen his spiritual relationship with the ancestors while undergoing preparations for the sacred rites connected 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.
