The handsome monarch of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has embarked on a 7-day seclusion exercise, which took off on Sunday, September 24.
This is preceding the annual Olojo is the biggest festival in the culture calendar of the ancient city.
By secluding himself, the Ooni separates himself from the people to cleanse his palace and himself of all the evil forces. After the cleansing, he leads the people to Okemogun shrine and renews his vows as a king.
However, the people of Ile-Ife are eagerly awaiting the influx of foreigners into the town for this year’s Olojo Festival which is expected to climax on Saturday.
Before he entered seclusion on Sunday, Oba Ogunwusi explained that Olojo Festival was about the celebration of the creation of the first day by God.
The Ooni is expected to come out after the seventh day and he would wear the Aare crown which he wears just once in a year.
Oba Ogunwusi said, “Our ancestors will be appeased during the period and by the time I come out on Saturday for the grand finale, the seclusion rites would have been be concluded.
It is a celebration of the creation of the universe and many visitors from within the country and the Diaspora will come around to celebrate with us. My duty is specifically to offer prayers and that I will do to the best of my ability.
“This year’s Olojo Festival will witness an unprecedented participation of foreigners; the members of the Black Caucus of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and about 150 other black Americans have already indicated interest to participate in the festival.
Meanwhile, it is expected that the new Olori Bolanlle Ogunwusi would be unveiled during this year’s festival since the former queen, Olori Wuraola had left the palace and officially declared that she is no longer the wife of the king.
“A king can never be without a queen. It’s unheard of in the history of the Yorubas. As the cradle of Yorubaland, Ife stands out in culture and tradition. As a custodian of our culture, the king would showcase our culture to the world and we have many people coming from outside the country. Already, there is a queen in the palace and preparations are ongoing to unveil her to the people,” palace sources said.
The 2016 Olojo Festival was marked by the current Ooni, Oba Ogunwusi with former Olori Wuraola by his side.
