Ooni Of Ife Commences Seven-Day Seclusion, To Pray For The Nation
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has begun a seven-day spiritual seclusion in preparation for the grand conclusion of this year’s Olojo festival.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, in Osogbo on Monday, it was announced that the monarch started on Sunday.
Olafare mentioned that during the seclusion, Oba Ogunwusi would connect with his ancestors and offer prayers for Nigerians and humanity as a whole. He also urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as efforts are made to revitalize the national economy.
Speaking to journalists before he departed from the palace, Oba Ogunwusi emphasized that the annual seclusion is his most sacred time on the throne, dedicated to communing with his ancestors and offering prayers for the global Oduduwa people and all of humanity.
“This time around, I want to pray and seek for the face of our Creator to intervene in the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and especially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not use our hands to destroy our country,” Ooni said.
The foremost African monarch admitted that Nigeria is 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,” Oba Ogunwusi further said.
He urged the government at all levels to put in more effort towards serving the populace by making available bountiful dividends of democracy to the citizens.
Olafare further noted that the 7-day seclusion which usually precedes the annual Olojo celebrations, “allows 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 mankind.”
