By Omololu Olumuyiwa
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) said Olojo is the festival of dawn and birth of the crown called “Ade Aare”.
The crown that gave birth to all crowns all over the world with all the colours of the rainbow. It is called the spectrum of rainbow crowns.
Oba Ogunwusi disclosed this during the unveiling of the sponsors and the launch of Olojo festival 2024 with the theme: “Evolving Transformational Domestic Tourism With Community Festivals” on Thursday, 19th September, 2024 in his palace at Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Ooni stated further that the festival was in remembrance of “Ogun,” god of iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people.
“In Yoruba land, we still uphold our heritage, and that’s why we celebrate the first dawn. And the first dawn is when the Aare Crown comes out for blessing. The Crown has a life in it to date from time immemorial”, Oba Ogunwusi said.
L-R: Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Chief Festival Administrator, Olojo Festival; Akintunde Ayeni, Chairman, Yemkem Ltd; Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), Ooni of Ife and Hon. Ojo Abiodun (Fafa), Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Osun State, during Olojo Festival 2024 press briefing at Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday, 19th September, 2024.
Ooniri disclosed that the birth of the crown was actually the first dawn discovered by the pathfinder which is linked to our celebration.
“The world does what is called thanksgiving at this period. But for us, it is the biggest celebration after we must have done our main celebration after the Ifa celebration”, Ooni said.
Ooni stated further, “The crown does everything humans do, it is a very spiritual crown, very sacred. I am a living example and witness. I have actually charged the crown, I have prayed with it, that I want this done, this particular time”.
The Ooni stated further, “This is my ninth year on the throne, going to my tenth year by the grace of God, I have seen a lot of testimonies. I will pray with the crown worn on my head, I pray to the almighty God, Olodumare through the crown. I have never seen any failure in it. It is our strong heritage, our strong culture and tradition and we will continue to uphold it forever”.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II) lauded the sponsors of Olojo Festival 2024, he reiterated that they are well appreciated for associating with the cultural festival through their brands.
Among the Olojo Festival 2024 sponsors unveiled at the press briefing are the telecommunication giant MTN, Adron Homes, Grand Oak Limited and Nigerian Breweries Plc.
Earlier, the Chief Festival Administrator, Otunba Ayo Olumoko said all Nigerians and foreign visitors are invited to Ife to join in the celebration of Olojo Festival 2024.
This year’s festival will feature various events and activities.
The Grand Finale for the 2024 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, will hold between Thursday 26th and Monday 30th of September, 2024.
On Thursday, 26th September, 2024 there will be Ayo Olopon Traditional Game. Festival Cultural Talent Hunt (Audition). Olojo Festival Colloquium.
Friday, 27th September, 2024 – Ojo Ilagun, Iwode Ile-Ife (Community Cleansing). Oonirisa’s Terrestrial Message to the World.
Saturday, 28th September, 2024 – Festival Grand Finale Official Ceremony. Ojo Okemogun, and the Aare Cultural Procession.
Sunday, 29th September, 2024 – Ojo Ajoyo (Asekagba). (Grand Royal Reception – Invitational). Adire Oodua Cultural Exchange Exhibition. Oonirisa’s Ife Award for Community Service, 2024
Monday, 30th September, 2024 – Ojo Ibile (Oonirisa’s Ancestral Traditional Propitiation). Cultural Talents Hunt.
