The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has concluded his seven-day seclusion, a sacred ritual observed as part of the yearly Olojo Festival.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, September 27, Oba Ogunwusi said the period was dedicated to deep communion with the supreme God and the Yoruba ancestors, while interceding for the people of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Africa, and all descendants of 'Oduduwa' worldwide.

The first-class monarch wrote with accompanying pictures:

"After seven sacred days in deep communion with Eledumare (the Supreme God) and the spirits of our ancestors, I emerge renewed carrying the prayers of my people and the hopes of generations.

"Today, I rise with divine strength, to wear the sacred Aare Crown, invoking peace, prosperity, and unity for Nigeria, Africa, and all the children of Oduduwa across the world.

"This is more than tradition.

"This is the new dew dawn."

What is Olojo Festival?

Legit.ng reports that the Olojo Festival, meaning “the Day of the First Dawn,” is celebrated to mark the day the Almighty created the earth.

It is one of the oldest and most respected cultural festivals in Oduduwa land. It symbolises creation, renewal, and the spiritual authority of Ile-Ife as the cradle of mankind.

The Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun state, which started on Saturday, September 20, will end on Monday, September 29.

The key events expected to occur at the festival include the grand finale and the Olojo 5K road race.

Ooni's seclusion period

Traditionally, the seclusion period also prepares the Ooni of Ife for the climax of the Olojo Festival, when he will appear wearing the sacred Aare crown, a relic believed to be the original crown of Oduduwa.

During the festival’s climax, the Ooni leads processions, ancestral rites, and prayers at significant historical sites in Ile-Ife.

These rituals reaffirm the town’s place as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people and unite indigenes and visitors to celebrate cultural pride and heritage.

Meanwhile, several X users reacted to the Ooni of Ife's dayslong seclusion and the trending photographs. Legit.ng captures some comments below:

@BlvckChild61067 wrote: "If He Is an “Ooni” He’s Truly Speaking With The Ancestors!"

@Adedoyinni commented: "Yorùbáland shall be Great again!"

Akintayo Adams Adekunle said: "Aláyélúwà Kábíyèsí Ọọ̀nirìṣà Ọ̀jájá II, May the prayers be answered.

Long May You Lead The Descendants of Odùduwà.
"May Olojo Festival grow from strength to strength under you."

After seven sacred days in deep communion with Eledumare and the spirits of our ancestors, I emerge renewed carrying the prayers of my people and the hopes of generations. pic.twitter.com/FVgYmQitaV

— Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi (@OoniAdimulaIfe) September 27, 2025