The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has entered a period of traditional seclusion as the ancient Olojo Festival gets underway in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The 2026 edition of the festival, which runs from September 24 to 28, 2026, is a major annual cultural and spiritual celebration that brings together traditional institutions, indigenes, tourists and visitors from within and outside Nigeria.
The Olojo Festival is regarded as one of the oldest cultural celebrations in Ile-Ife and is deeply connected to Yoruba history, spirituality and heritage. The festival symbolically re-enacts aspects of the Yoruba creation narrative and commemorates a day believed to have been specially blessed by Olodumare, the Supreme God.
During the sacred period, the Ooni withdraws into seclusion as part of the traditional rites preceding the public appearance and procession associated with the festival. The observance is intended to provide a period of spiritual reflection, prayers and communion with the ancestral heritage of Ile-Ife.
The 2026 celebration is expected to feature traditional rites, cultural displays, prayers, music and other activities highlighting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as a major centre of Yoruba civilisation and indigenous culture.