The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has entered a seven-day spiritual seclusion as part of the traditional rites preceding the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The seclusion, which began on Sunday, marks the spiritual phase of the annual festival and is traditionally observed by the monarch ahead of the sacred ceremonies.
Rather than focusing solely on the festival, the Ooni used the occasion to deliver a message on Nigeria’s political future, appealing to political leaders to place the country’s interests above personal and partisan differences.
The monarch said Nigeria was “bigger than all of us” and urged politicians to avoid statements and actions that could threaten the country’s sovereignty, unity and cohesion.
He also called on leaders to continuously consider the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, stressing that political power is temporary.
The Ooni said part of his prayers during the seven-day seclusion would focus on Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. He also said he would pray for Nigerian youths to have better opportunities and benefit from democracy.
He commended residents of Osun State for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, describing the ballot as an avenue through which citizens exercise their right to choose their leaders.
The monarch also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying developments of that nature could contribute to public confidence in the electoral process.
Beyond the political message, the seclusion remains an important part of the Olojo Festival’s spiritual observance. The Ooni explained that the period allows him to withdraw from ordinary human interaction and deepen his spiritual connection with his ancestors ahead of the sacred rites.
The 2026 Olojo Festival is scheduled for September 24 to 28 in Ile-Ife, with the annual celebration serving as a major platform for preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, traditions and identity.
The Ooni’s seven-day seclusion therefore combines the traditional preparation for the festival with prayers for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
Inclusive also in good faith , is for the politicians to put Nigeria first before their wide and deeper pockets, after they come in as ‘elected’ politicians. Size of which is so large ,it’s incomparable in satanic greed,unheard of in human history.WAHALA DE O!!!.. ONLY IN NIGERIA, IN WHICH THEY ARE UNTOUCHABLES DESIGNATED.