Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has begun a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the grand finale of the ninth edition of Olojo Festival.
In a statement on Monday, the king’s spokesman Moses Olafare said the seclusion commenced on Sunday.
Mr Olafare also said Oba Ogunwusi, during the seclusion, would commune with his ancestors and pray for Nigerians and the entire mankind, noting that the royal father, pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration while fixing the national economy.
The Ooni’s spokesperson said Oba Ogunwusi, while addressing journalists shortly before leaving his palace, described the annual seclusion rite as the most sacred moment for him on the throne which is meant to interact with his ancestors, praying for the people of 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 in the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and especially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not use our hands to destroy our country,” Ooni said.
The first-class 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,” Oba Ogunwusi further said.
He urged the government at all levels to put in more effort towards serving the populace by making available bountiful dividends of democracy to the citizens.
Olafare further noted that the seven-day seclusion which usually precedes the annual Olojo celebrations, “allows 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.
“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 favour of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people.”
Oba Ogunwusi will appear in public on Saturday, September 28 with the crown of Oduduwa known as ‘Ade Are’ worn once a year to commemorate the first day of mankind.