The Cradle of Yoruba race, Ile Ife celebrate Olojo festival with pomp and pageantry in the ancient town , southwest Nigeria.
Olojo festival is heralded by a seclusion for the traditional ruler of Ile -Ife , the Oonirisa,his Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11. After a seven day seclusion and commune with the deities, Oonirisa adorn the traditional crown called “Aare”.
Aare beaded crown weighs 50 kilograms. It is a symbol of royal authority in Yorubaland.
He walked from his palace to Enuwa square of the ancient city accompanied by the people to offer prayers for Nigeria and the world.
Ayomide Adetola, the social media and digital campaign strategist for the event, was ecstatic about the vision for this year’s edition.
“We are excited to share Olojo Festival 2025 with the world in a way that truly reflects its importance. Our goal is to honour the sacred traditions while also engaging the younger generation and the global Yoruba community through storytelling, digital platforms, and interactive activities.”
The Olojo Festival remains a symbol of identity, resilience, and unity.
Imperial Majesty Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ooni of Ile Ife
For centuries, it has brought people together to celebrate the Yoruba spirit, and in 2025, it continues to evolve as a living tradition that embraces both heritage and innovation.
According to oral tradition , Olojo Festival is an annual cultural and spiritual celebration in Ile Ife, recognized as one of the most significant events of the Yoruba people.
Rooted in centuries old traditions, the festival honours the creation of the world and the connection of the people to their heritage.
Congratulatory Message
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, and the people of Ile-Ife on the celebration of the 2025 Olojo Festival.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the Olojo Festival as a spiritually significant occasion and prayed for continuous blessings upon the people.
The governor commended the Ooni as a cultural icon and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting Osun’s cultural heritage.
“Cultural festivals are the backbone of economies in India and many Asian countries. We will boost cultural tourism by placing Olojo and other significant festivals on the global map,”Adeleke said.
Assurances
Governor Adeleke further assured the monarch that his administration would not abandon ongoing projects, stressing that the era of diverting public funds and truncating projects had ended.
“If Ile-Ife or any part of Osun had experienced such in the past, it will not happen under my watch. While we are not probing previous administrations, we are committed to completing all inherited abandoned projects,” he added.
Highlighting ongoing development efforts in the ancient city, Adeleke noted that nearly 25 roads had been reconstructed in Ile-Ife. The flyover bridge is nearing completion and plans underway to dualise the road leading to the Ooni’s palace.
“Ile-Ife will soon assume its rightful place as the cultural tourism hub of South-West Nigeria. I rejoice with all sons and daughters of the source, as well as Yoruba people at home and abroad, on this important occasion,” the governor stated.
