The annual ‘Olojo’ festival in Ile Ife, Osun State, took place on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
It is one of the most popular and respected festivals in Yorubaland, and is held in honour of ‘Ogun,’ the god of iron, who is thought to be the first son of Oduduwa, the Yoruba race’s progenitor. The festival commemorates the day of the year when ‘Olodumare’ bestows special blessings (the creator of the universe). Yorubaland and Nigeria are praying for peace and tranquillity.
This year’s edition was tagged, Culture Tourism: The Genesis, and wil hold between September 23 and 26, 2022.
Recall that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had, as stipulated by tradition, gone into seclusion on Monday, September 19, 2022, before returning to the palace on Friday, September 21, after some women from the town had earlier swept the palace, which symbolises sanitisation from evil. During the seclusion, the Ooni was expected to commune with the ancestors and pray for his people.
The festival formally started on Saturday, September 17, and was dedicated to Gbajure Cultural Carnival and Adire Oodua Cultural Possession. This was followed by the Festival Children Quiz Competition, on Monday, September 19.
On September 22, activities included the Ayo Olopon Traditional Game, Olojo Cultural Entertainment Hunt (Audition) and the Olojo Festival Colloquium.
Ojo Ilagun, Iwode Ile-Ife (Community Cleansing), Oonirisa Terrestrial Message to the World and Oonirisa’s Adire Hub Fiesta held on Friday, September 23.
On Saturday, September 24, activities held were the Festival Grand Final Official Ceremony, Ojo Okemogun, Aare Cultural Procession and Ojaja Grand Resort Musical Concert.
Today will witness the Ojo Ajoye (Asekogbo) and Grand Royal Invitational Reception.
On Monday, September 26, activities that will hold include Ojo Ibile (Oonirisa Ancestral Traditional Propitiation) and Cultural Talent Hunt (Final).
On Wednesday, September 28, the grand finale of the festival, all ‘Oodua clubs’ will pay homage to the Ooni.
One of the highlights of the festival on Saturday, when the new queen of the Ooni, Mariam Ajibola, stepped out with her hubby looking resplendent in her outfit.
Dignitaries who attended the line-up of events include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who represented the President Muhammadu Buhari; the Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; as well as popular socialite and the Iyalaje Oodua, Toyin Kolade.