Olojo Festival 2024: Ooni Enters Seclusion To Pray For Nigeria
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
IBADAN – The Ooni of Ife and President, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) has entered into the the 7 day spiritual seclusion where he is expected to commune with ancestors and pray to the Almighty Olodumare (God) for his people, Nigeria and the entire mankind, pleading with Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration while fixing national economy.
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Ooni Ogunwusi while addressing the pressmen on his way to seclusion in preparation for this year’s edition of the Olojo festival, outside his Ile Oodua palace thanked God for the to observe this year seclusion.
He described the annual seclusion rite is the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people the Oduduwa race worldwide and mankind in general.
“This time around, I want to pray and seek for the face of our Creator to intervene on the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not used our hands to destroy our country”.Ooni said.
The foremost African monarch admitted that Nigeria is currently in a trying period when the citizens are facing a lot of socioeconomic challenges in all ramifications of life.
“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.
“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” he stated.
The Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) urged the present government to do more to serve the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.
The Seclusion usually precedes the annual Olojoj celebrations allow the Ooni to withdraw from the human distractions. It is usually marked by silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing, allowing him to focus solely on the divine communication with the spirits.
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During this time, he undertakes solemn prayers and makes offerings, not only on behalf of the Yoruba race but for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the entire nation. It is a time of deep intercession, seeking the favor of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people.
Ooni Ogunwusi will be marking his 9th edition of the Olojo festival on Saturday 28th when he will be appearing to the public with the sacred Crown of Oduduwa known as ‘Ade Are’ worn once a year to commemorate the first day of the mankind.