Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Begins Seven-Day Seclusion, Urges Politicians To Put Nigeria First

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, with a call on political leaders to place the interests of Nigeria above partisan considerations.

The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), began the traditional seclusion on Sunday evening.

The spiritual exercise forms part of the traditional rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival, a major cultural and spiritual celebration associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.

In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said he would devote the period to prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and sustainable development.

Speaking shortly before entering seclusion, the monarch urged politicians to ensure that their political differences did not undermine the country’s sovereignty, unity and national interest.

“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,” the Ooni said.

He appealed to political leaders to focus on improving the welfare of Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations.

“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 Nigerians,” he said.

The Ooni disclosed that his prayers would also cover Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly the country’s preparations for future elections, stressing the importance of allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders through the ballot.

He commended the people of Osun State for their participation in the recently concluded governorship election, saying the exercise demonstrated the role of citizens in determining who governs them.

The traditional ruler also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying developments of such nature could contribute to confidence in the electoral process.

Ooni Ogunwusi, however, urged politicians to avoid statements and actions capable of undermining national cohesion, reminding them that political power was temporary and that leadership would continue to change hands.

“Some have ruled this country before as political leaders, and others will come after them,” he said, urging political leaders to always place the larger national interest above personal or partisan considerations.

The monarch also said he would dedicate part of the spiritual exercise to prayers for Nigerian youths, expressing hope that they would benefit from good governance and have greater opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Explaining the significance of the seclusion, the Ooni said the period would enable him to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites associated 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.

He explained that the seven-day exercise was an important part of the preparations for the wearing of the sacred Aare Crown, describing it as an opportunity to honour the traditions and legacies handed down through generations.

The Olojo Festival, traditionally associated with the “Day of the First Dawn,” is one of the major cultural and spiritual festivals celebrated in Ile-Ife. It is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the city, which occupies a significant place in Yoruba history and cultural heritage.

The annual festival serves as a platform for the preservation and celebration of indigenous traditions, ancestral heritage and Yoruba cultural identity, attracting traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora.

With the commencement of the Ooni’s seven-day seclusion, the spiritual phase of the 2026 Olojo Festival has begun, ahead of the public ceremonies and activities expected to culminate in the monarch’s emergence in the sacred crown associated with the festival.