By Gbenga Olarinoye

Osogbo—Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi yesterday commenced seven-day seclusion, preparatory to the adorning of ‘Are’ crown, worn once a year by the paramount ruler.

Before going into the seclusion, Ooni had visited ‘Ile ‘mole’, a shrine in Moore for prayers and later moved to the seclusion where he would remain incommunicado till Friday evening.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi 

Unveiling a betting company as the media sponsor of this year’s Olojo Festival, Ooni called on the media to assist in creating positive awareness about Yoruba traditional festivals.

On what he will be doing during the seclusion, Ooni, who spoke with newsmen in his palace, said during the period, he would offer prayers for the country and its leadership.

According to the monarch, during the seclusion, he would not be receiving visitors nor go outside, adding that; “Our ancestors will be appeased during the period and by the time I re-emerge on Saturday for the grand finale, the rites would have been concluded.

“It is a celebration of creation of the universe and many visitors from within the country and the diaspora will come around to celebrate with us. My duty is specifically to offer prayers and that I will do to the best of my ability.”

On the significance of the festival, the royal father said Olojo is the celebration of first dusk and dawn and creation of the universe, with an assurance to work towards promoting all notable cultural festivals in Yorubaland.