National Museum, Ile-Ife

21/09/2026

MESSAGE FROM HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, OONIRISA OBA ENITAN ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI OJAJA II, OONI OF IFE

As I enter into the sacred period of seclusion, I am reminded that Olójó is not merely a festival; it is a living expression of our ancestral identity, spirituality and collective memory. Seclusion gives us the opportunity to return to the source, to honour the wisdom entrusted to us by those who came before us, and to prepare ourselves to carry that heritage responsibly into the future. As we preserve the sacred tradition of Olójó festival, we must also ensure that our cultural heritage becomes a bridge for meaningful and sustainable tourism; one that welcomes the world without compromising the values, sanctity and authenticity of our traditions. The future of tourism in our nation must therefore be rooted in preservation, readaptation, commerce and through digital transformation.

Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi - Ojaja II

Ile-ife \ Oduduwa legacy Omoluabi

National Museum, Ile-Ife

21/09/2026

OLOJO FESTIVAL 2026: OONI BEGINS SEVEN-DAY SECLUSION, URGES POLITICIANS TO PUT NIGERIA ABOVE POLITICS

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commenced a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The seclusion, which began on Sunday evening, is part of the traditional and spiritual rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival, one of the most significant cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.

A statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni would use the period to pray for Nigeria and seek divine intervention for the peace, unity and sustainable progress of the country.

Speaking shortly before entering seclusion, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) said Nigeria remained greater than the individual interests of politicians and urged political leaders to ensure that their differences did not undermine the country’s sovereignty and unity.

“My message for Nigeria as a nation is that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. We should always strive very hard not to utter anything that will affect our sovereignty,” the Ooni said.

He appealed to politicians to put the welfare of Nigerians above political differences, stressing the need for leaders to continuously seek ways of improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

“I am appealing to our politicians. They might have differences, but we should know ultimately that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. It is very important for our political leaders to always look inwardly on how to better the lot of the average Nigerians,” he said.

The Ooni further said his prayers during the seclusion would cover the country’s democratic process, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.

He also commended the people of Osun State for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, describing the outcome as an indication of the power of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.

According to him, the electoral process should continue to provide Nigerians with the opportunity to freely make their choices.

The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying such developments could strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

He, however, appealed to politicians to avoid actions and utterances capable of threatening national cohesion, reminding them that political power is temporary.

“Some have ruled this country before as political leaders, and others will come after them,” the Ooni said, urging political leaders to always remember the larger national interest.

The Ooni also said he would devote part of his prayers to Nigerian youths, expressing hope that they would enjoy the dividends of democracy and have better opportunities to contribute to the development of the country.

The Ooni explained that the seven-day seclusion would also provide him an opportunity to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites associated with the Olojo Festival.

“As I am going into seclusion, that deprives me of every human relationship. I will have to connect with my ancestors more, in an atmosphere of divinity,” he said.

He added that the spiritual exercise was part of the annual preparation towards the wearing of the sacred Aare Crown, describing the period as an important opportunity to honour the traditions and legacies handed down by the ancestors.

The Olojo Festival, traditionally associated with “the Day of the First Dawn,” is a major cultural and spiritual celebration in Ile-Ife. It is rooted in the ancient traditions of the city regarded in Yoruba history as the cradle of creation and the source of Yoruba civilisation.

The festival provides an avenue for the preservation of indigenous traditions, ancestral heritage and cultural identity, while attracting traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora to Ile-Ife.

With the commencement of the Ooni’s seven-day seclusion, the spiritual phase of the 2026 Olojo Festival has officially begun, ahead of the public activities and ceremonies that will culminate in the Ooni’s appearance in the sacred crown associated with the festival.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

21/09/2026

WE ONCE LIVED IN A PARADISE

Once upon a time, this pot was found in the kitchen of every family, whether rich or poor.

The kitchen was usually accessible to everyone, including visitors and neighbours.

The pot usually had a cup placed on top of it.

Anyone who was thirsty simply scooped water, drank, and placed the cup back.
It was the refrigerator of our time.

Was the cup washed before or after drinking? For where. It was only washed in the morning and never again until the next day.

The Indomie generation will not believe this. That was possible because there was no Nollywood that gave people the impression that society, especially the villages, were occupied by evil men and women looking for whom to p0ison.

It was a time when churchgoers were not told from the pulpit that their predicaments were caused by their family members, neighbors, and friends.

I am talking about a time when it was unheard of for native doctors to brag about possessing the powers to make one rich.

The time I am talking about was a time when uncles were known to be the best friends of their nieces and nephews.

During the holidays, children were moving from one uncle and aunt to another. It was always joyful to see an uncle or an aunt.

Today, there is hardly any die-by-fire prayer without mentioning wicked uncles.

I am talking about a time when children played together and when it was difficult or even impossible to distinguish the children of the rich from that of the poor when they are playing.

Yes, houses were built without fences because no one was afraid of being maimed by the other.

I decided to post this to remind us that there was a time when we lived in paradise.

Copied;

21/09/2026

ILE MOLE — ILEDI OONI

The Ancient Traditional Supreme Court of Ile-Ife

A historic institution of traditional authority, justice, customary law and ancestral governance at the heart of Ile-Ife, the Source of Yoruba Civilization.

20/09/2026

OONI ENTERS SACRED SECLUSION — OLOJO 2026

As the sacred observances of Olojo 2026 approach, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, has entered the traditional seven-day seclusion that precedes the public observance of the festival.

Within the indigenous ritual calendar of Ile-Ife this period of seclusion represents a significant phase of spiritual preparation, ritual purification, prayer, reflection and renewal. It is also an important expression of the continuity of Yoruba intangible cultural heritage, through which ancestral knowledge, ritual practices and sacred responsibilities are transmitted across generations.

From an ethnographic perspective, the Olojo seclusion should not be viewed merely as a period of physical withdrawal. It forms part of a wider ritual process connecting the Oòni, the sacred landscape of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, ancestral traditions and the collective identity of the Yoruba people.

As the traditional and spiritual custodian of the people of Ife, Kabiyesi undertakes this period within the framework of established cultural traditions associated with Olojo, reaffirming the enduring relationship between kingship, spirituality, heritage and community.

The National Museum, Ile-Ife, as a custodian of Yoruba material and intangible heritage, recognises the importance of documenting and preserving such living traditions as part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

May this sacred period usher in peace, unity, spiritual renewal, protection and prosperity for the people of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Yorùbáland and all who cherish our shared cultural heritage.

Àṣẹ.

20/09/2026

OONI ENTERS SACRED SECLUSION — OLOJO 2026

As the sacred observances of Olojo 2026 approach, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, has entered the traditional seven-day seclusion that precedes the public observance of the festival.

Within the indigenous ritual calendar of Ile-Ife this period of seclusion represents a significant phase of spiritual preparation, ritual purification, prayer, reflection and renewal. It is also an important expression of the continuity of Yoruba intangible cultural heritage, through which ancestral knowledge, ritual practices and sacred responsibilities are transmitted across generations.

From an ethnographic perspective, the Olojo seclusion should not be viewed merely as a period of physical withdrawal. It forms part of a wider ritual process connecting the Oòni, the sacred landscape of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, ancestral traditions and the collective identity of the Yoruba people.

As the traditional and spiritual custodian of the people of Ife, Kabiyesi undertakes this period within the framework of established cultural traditions associated with Olojo, reaffirming the enduring relationship between kingship, spirituality, heritage and community.

The National Museum, Ile-Ife, as a custodian of Yoruba material and intangible heritage, recognises the importance of documenting and preserving such living traditions as part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

May this sacred period usher in peace, unity, spiritual renewal, protection and prosperity for the people of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Yorùbáland and all who cherish our shared cultural heritage.

Àṣẹ.

20/09/2026

The Historical Significance of Beginning the Olojo Festival at the Oranmiyan Temple

The Olojo Festival begins at the Oranmiyan Temple with Gbajure for significant historical and spiritual reasons.

Traditionally, Oranmiyan is credited with instituting and shaping the Olojo Festival in honour of Ogun, the deity associated with iron, warfare, and craftsmanship. The ritual chants performed during Olojo invoke the memory and spiritual presence of Oranmiyan, recognizing his enduring place in the sacred history and heritage of Ife.

Oranmiyan is also associated with a dual ancestral identity connected to Ogun and Oduduwa. This dual heritage is symbolically represented during the Olojo Festival through the palace messengers known as the Lokolokos, whose distinctive half-and-half body painting reflects this duality. The symbolism is further connected to Oranmiyan through his traditional association with the Ada Ogun, the sacred sword of Ogun, which represents authority, warfare, and spiritual power.

Oranmiyan therefore occupies a central position in the historical and ritual development of Olojo. As a ruler and foundational figure in Ife tradition, he is traditionally regarded as having structured, institutionalized, and popularized aspects of the festival. The presence of the Lokolokos and their distinctive body painting can consequently be understood as part of the festival's broader symbolic expression of Oranmiyan's dual ancestral heritage.

For this reason, beginning the Olojo Festival at the Oranmiyan Temple is not merely ceremonial; it reflects the deep historical, spiritual, and ancestral connection between Oranmiyan, Ogun, and the cultural traditions of Ife.✅✅✅❤️

Credit: Ile-ife \ Oduduwa legacy Omoluabi

19/09/2026

GBAJURE..! GBAJURE..! GBAJURE..!!! 🗣️

Àsọ̀lòjo, a ké Gbajure ooo! 🙌🏾

Gbajure symbolizes the cleansing that marks the beginning of the Ooni’s seclusion, while the sacrificial rites commence after Gbajure.

On behalf of the Managing Curator, Management and entire staff of the National Museum, Ile-Ife, we warmly celebrate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on this year’s Olojo Festival .

May this sacred season continue to strengthen our rich cultural heritage, promote unity, peace and prosperity, and preserve the enduring legacy of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, the Source of Yoruba Civilization.

Àsọ̀lòjo… A KÉ GBAJURE OOO! 🗣️🔥

Àṣẹ! Àṣẹ!! Àṣẹ!!!

18/09/2026