The annual celebrations of Olojo festival has commenced in Ile-Ife with the movement of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi into Iledi, a place of seclusion where he is going to spend the next seven days.
The festival is a major event in Ile Ife, meant to celebrate the creation of universe and the week long event will climax with wearing of “Are” crown, a special crown worn once annually by Ooni.
According to a press release signed by the Director, Media and Public Affairs of Ooni’s palace, Mr. Moses Olafare, said Ooni’s seclusion began on Sunday and will end on Saturday.
The statement which reflected Ooni’s position on the festival read, “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 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.”
It would be recalled that when this year’s edition was declared, it was made known that foreigners, the members of the black caucus of Pennsylvania House of Representatives and about 150 other black Americans have already indicated interest to participate in the Festival.
