Ooni Enters Seven-Day Spiritual Retreat Ahead of 2026 Olojo Festival, Prays for National Cohesion

The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has begun a seven-day spiritual retreat in preparation for the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Ooni, who serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, commenced the seclusion on Sunday evening as part of the sacred rites that precede the annual cultural celebration.

The Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, announced this in a statement issued on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.

Lawal explained that the retreat forms part of the traditional and spiritual observances leading up to the Olojo Festival, one of the most important cultural events associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.

Lawal further stated that the monarch will devote the period to interceding for Nigeria, seeking divine intervention for peace, unity and sustainable progress across the nation.

Before withdrawing into seclusion, the Ooni, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), emphasised that Nigeria’s collective existence outweighs the personal ambitions of politicians.

He called on political leaders to guard against actions and statements that could compromise the country’s sovereignty and unity.

“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 urged politicians to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians above their political differences, stressing that leaders must continually seek ways to improve the lives of citizens.

“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 during the seclusion would also cover Nigeria’s democratic process, especially as the country prepares for the next general elections.

He praised the people of Osun State for their participation in the recently concluded governorship election, noting that the outcome demonstrated the power of citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot.

He said the electoral process should continue to offer Nigerians the opportunity to freely express their choices.

The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating that such conduct could strengthen public confidence in democracy.

He, however, cautioned politicians against actions and utterances capable of threatening national cohesion, reminding them that political power is transient.

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

The Ooni said he would also dedicate part of his prayers to Nigerian youths, expressing optimism that they would enjoy the dividends of democracy and have improved opportunities to contribute to national development.

He explained that the seven-day seclusion would afford him the opportunity to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites of 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 added that the spiritual exercise forms part of the annual preparation towards wearing the sacred Aare Crown, describing the period as a significant opportunity to honour the traditions and legacies inherited from the ancestors.

The Olojo Festival, traditionally known as “the Day of the First Dawn,” is a major cultural and spiritual celebration in Ile-Ife.

It is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the city regarded in Yoruba history as the cradle of creation and the source of Yoruba civilisation.

The festival serves as a platform for preserving indigenous traditions, ancestral heritage and cultural identity, attracting traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora to Ile-Ife.

With the Ooni’s seven-day seclusion now underway, the spiritual phase of the 2026 Olojo Festival has officially commenced, ahead of the public activities and ceremonies that will culminate in the monarch’s appearance in the sacred crown associated with the festival.