YPF Congratulates Ooni On 2026 Olojo Festival, Celebrates Yoruba Heritage

The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF) has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the people of Ile-Ife on the successful celebration of the 2026 Olojo Festival.

The sociocultural group described the annual festival as a significant celebration of Yoruba history, culture, spirituality and identity, noting that its continued observance has further strengthened the cultural bond among Yoruba people across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Coordinator of YPF, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede, said the Olojo Festival remained an important platform for preserving the rich cultural heritage handed down by generations of Yoruba ancestors.

According to him, the festival goes beyond its colourful ceremonies, as it represents a celebration of the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and a reminder of the values, traditions and institutions that bind the Yoruba people together.

“On behalf of the Yoruba Progressives Forum, I warmly congratulate our revered monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the entire people of Ile-Ife on the occasion of the 2026 Olojo Festival.

“Olojo is not merely a festival; it is a powerful expression of our identity, history and collective heritage as Yoruba people. It is a moment to celebrate our roots, honour our ancestors and reaffirm our commitment to preserving our culture for generations yet unborn.”

Olalekan commended the Ooni for his continued efforts to promote Yoruba culture, unity and heritage, describing the monarch’s role in projecting Ile-Ife and Yoruba civilisation on the global stage as significant.

He also called on Yoruba sons and daughters, traditional institutions, governments, cultural organisations and the younger generation to support initiatives aimed at preserving the Yoruba language, customs, traditional institutions, arts and cultural values.

The YPF National Coordinator stressed that cultural preservation should be regarded as a collective responsibility, particularly at a time when globalisation and changing lifestyles continue to influence the younger generation.

He said: “Our culture is our identity and our heritage is our strength. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren understand where they come from and appreciate the values that have sustained the Yoruba civilisation for centuries.

“We therefore commend the Ooni for providing a platform through the Olojo Festival for the world to witness the depth, beauty and richness of Yoruba culture.”

The forum further prayed for long life, wisdom and continued success for the Ooni of Ife, while wishing the monarch, the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife a peaceful and memorable 2026 Olojo Festival.

“May this year’s Olojo Festival bring renewed unity, peace, prosperity and cultural renaissance to Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race,” Olalekan added.