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ILE-IFE – The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as the country faces economic hardships. The monarch made this appeal on Monday before entering a seven-day seclusion to commune with the ancestors, a ritual held ahead of the annual Olojo Festival.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni emphasized the significance of the sacred seclusion period, during which he prays for the well-being of the Yoruba race and humanity at large. He revealed that this year, his prayers will focus on Nigeria’s economic situation, expressing empathy for the struggles citizens are facing.
“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,” the monarch stated.
Oba Ogunwusi expressed confidence that the nation’s challenges would soon ease, reassuring Nigerians that better times are ahead. “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 added.
While offering prayers for the nation’s peace and prosperity, the Ooni urged the government to intensify efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
The seclusion marks the beginning of the Olojo Festival, a time of deep reflection, silence, and spiritual purification for the Ooni. This period allows him to communicate with the spirits and offer intercessions for the prosperity, protection, and guidance of his people.
The Ooni is set to make his public appearance on Saturday, September 28th, donning the sacred Crown of Oduduwa, ‘Ade Are,’ which is worn once a year to commemorate the creation of mankind. This will be his ninth edition of the Olojo Festival.
