The Ooni of Ife and President, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) has entered into the the seven-day spiritual seclusion where he is expected to commune with ancestors and pray to the Almighty Olodumare (God) for his people, Nigeria and the entire mankind.
This was disclosed in a statement by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.
While addressing pressmen on his way to the seclusion in preparation for this year’s edition of the Olojo Festival, outside his Ile Oodua palace on Sunday, the Ooni thanked God for the privilege to observe this year’s exercise.
He described the annual seclusion rite is the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people the Oduduwa race worldwide and mankind in general.
“This time around, I want to pray and seek the face of our Creator to intervene on the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not use our hands to destroy our country,” Ooni said.
He, however, appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as he makes efforts to fix the economy economy and salvage it from the glimpse of collapse and hardship.
The foremost African monarch admitted that Nigeria was currently in a trying period when the citizens are facing a lot of socioeconomic challenges in all ramifications of life.
“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.
“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” he stated.
The Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) urged the present government to do more to serve the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.
The Seclusion usually precedes the annual Olojoj celebrations allow the Ooni to withdraw from the human distractions. It is usually marked by silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing, allowing him to focus solely on the divine communication with the spirits.
During this time, he undertakes solemn prayers and makes offerings, not only on behalf of the Yoruba race but for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the entire nation. It is a time of deep intercession, seeking the favor of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people.
Ooni Ogunwusi will be marking his 9th edition of the Olojo festival on Saturday 28th when he will be appearing to the public with the sacred Crown of Oduduwa known as ‘Ade Are’ worn once a year to commemorate the first day of the mankind.
