The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Friday night as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, ended his seven-day seclusion, marking a significant moment in the ongoing 2025 Olojo Festival.
Emerging from his private spiritual retreat, the Ooni offered heartfelt prayers for Nigerians across all walks of life.
The seclusion, a core part of the Olojo Festival, is a period when the Ooni withdraws from the public eye to commune with the ancestors, cleanse the land spiritually, and intercede on behalf of his people.
It is believed that during this sacred time, he petitions divine forces for peace, prosperity, and protection for the Yoruba people and the nation at large.
While addressing the crowd that had gathered to welcome him back, the Ooni prayed for Nigerians, families, widows, political leaders, and communities battling hardship.
He emphasised that his days in isolation were dedicated to intense supplication for the unity and progress of the country.
“I have just left my seclusion. I am always happy to be there, and while inside, I prayed for the well-being of Nigerians. I prayed for families, for widows, for our leaders, and for everyone seeking divine help. Now, as I return to the people, I extend those same prayers openly,” the Ooni said.
His emergence was greeted with jubilation by residents, tourists, and dignitaries who had trooped into Ile-Ife ahead of the festival’s grand ceremonies.
For many, his prayers serve as reassurance at a time when Nigerians face economic and social challenges.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
