Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi [Ọjájá II], recently described the Olojo festival as a celebration of dawn and the origin of the crown known as “Ade Aare.” He emphasized that this crown is the source of all crowns globally, representing a vibrant spectrum of colors akin to a rainbow.
During the unveiling of sponsors and the launch of the 2024 Olojo festival, themed “Evolving Transformational Domestic Tourism with Community Festivals,” held on September 19 at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the festival’s significance in honoring Ogun, the god of iron and the first son of Oduduwa, the ancestor of the Yoruba people.
“In Yoruba culture, we cherish our heritage, which is why we celebrate the first dawn,” he stated. “This dawn marks the moment the Aare Crown is blessed, a crown that has held life and meaning since ancient times.”
The Ooni elaborated that the festival’s origins are intertwined with the first dawn discovered by our ancestors, symbolizing a time for thanksgiving that, for the Yoruba, represents the most significant celebration after the Ifa festival.
He explained the spiritual essence of the crown: “The crown embodies the actions of humanity; it is sacred and powerful. I have personally charged it with my prayers, seeking specific outcomes.”
As he approaches his tenth year on the throne, Oba Ogunwusi shared that he has witnessed numerous blessings linked to the crown, stating, “I pray to Olodumare through the crown, and I have never encountered failure in this sacred tradition. It is our heritage, our culture, and we will continue to uphold it.”
The Ooni expressed gratitude to the sponsors of Olojo Festival 2024, acknowledging their support for this cultural celebration. Notable sponsors revealed during the press briefing include MTN, Adron Homes, Grand Oak Limited, and Nigerian Breweries Plc.
In closing, Chief Festival Administrator Otunba Ayo Olumoko invited all Nigerians and international visitors to join in the festivities of Olojo Festival 2024 in Ife.
Events and activities
The Grand Finale for the 2024 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, will hold between Thursday 26th and Monday 30th of September, 2024.
On Thursday, 26th September, 2024 there will be Ayo Olopon Traditional Game. Festival Cultural Talent Hunt [Audition]. Olojo Festival Colloquium.
Friday, 27th September, 2024 – Ojo Ilagun, Iwode Ile-Ife [Community Cleansing]. Oonirisa’s Terrestrial Message to the World.
Saturday, 28th September, 2024 – Festival Grand Finale Official Ceremony. Ojo Okemogun, and the Aare Cultural Procession.
Sunday, 29th September, 2024 – Ojo Ajoyo [Asekagba]. [Grand Royal Reception – Invitational]. Adire Oodua Cultural Exchange Exhibition. Oonirisa’s Ife Award for Community Service, 2024.
Monday, 30th September, 2024 – Ojo Ibile [Oonirisa’s Ancestral Traditional Propitiation]. Cultural Talents Hunt.
By Our Correspondent