By Husaini Legbo Husaini
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja, officially launched the 2024 Olojo Festival on Thursday in Ile-Ife, emphasizing the enduring importance of Yoruba culture and traditions. In his address, he underscored that these cultural values are not just heritage but a vital essence that must be preserved and celebrated. The festival promises to be a vibrant display of the rich customs and spiritual significance that define the Yoruba people.
At a media briefing held at the historic Ile-Ife Palace, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi addressed sponsors of the upcoming 2024 Oloja Festival. Themed “Evolving Transformational Domestic Tourism With Community Festivals,” the Ooni emphasized the pivotal role of local festivals in boosting domestic tourism. He highlighted how these cultural celebrations can foster unity, preserve heritage, and drive economic growth by showcasing the vibrant traditions of Nigerian communities to the world. The Oloja Festival, he noted, will serve as a powerful platform for promoting indigenous culture while attracting tourists, both locally and globally, to Ile-Ife.
The Oonirisa presides over an annual celebration in the ancient city, honoring the sacred day of the first dawn. This revered cultural event gathers people to commemorate the moment when light first graced the world, blending tradition and spirituality in a vibrant display of heritage and unity.
Speaking at the event, which also honored Ogun, the God of Iron, the Ooni highlighted the significance of the festival as a celebration of the Aare Crown. He described it as the “crown of all crowns” with global reverence and historical importance. The occasion drew attention to the deep cultural roots and spiritual significance of the Aare Crown, a symbol of authority and legacy that transcends borders. Sponsors and guests were reminded of the timeless power and heritage embodied in the festival, linking the past to the present through this sacred
Journey to the four corners of the world—north, east, west, and south—where the first dawn was discovered by a pathfinder. This dawn, known as “the birth of the crown,” is deeply linked to our most significant celebration. While the world celebrates Thanksgiving during this period, for us, it marks the culmination of something far greater. After our main celebration, following the Ifa festival in June, we honor this momentous occasion. It is the beginning of a new dawn, a symbol of renewal and tradition, and stands as one of our most sacred events.
“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.”
The crown that is said to weigh about 50 kilogrammes, the Oonirisa added, “Changes the weather conditions and doesn’t see the atmosphere, except once in a year.”
The event is proudly backed by notable sponsors, including Adron Homes, Grand Oak Limited, and Nigerian Breweries Plc., whose support promises to elevate the occasion’s success.
On the basis of this however, the 2024 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife will culminate in a grand finale spanning five days, from Thursday, September 26th to Monday, September 30th. This vibrant celebration, steeped in cultural heritage, will mark the peak of the annual festival, drawing visitors and locals alike to witness the rich traditions of the Yoruba people. The festival, known for its colorful parades, rituals, and the symbolic donning of the sacred Aare Crown by the Ooni of Ife, will honor the deities and ancestors, while fostering unity and showcasing the timeless cultural essence of Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, September 26th, 2024, the vibrant cultural celebration of the Olojo Festival will host an exciting array of events. Among the highlights is the Ayo Olopon Traditional Game, where participants will engage in this ancient strategic board game, showcasing their skill and heritage. Adding to the festivity is the Festival Cultural Talent Hunt Audition, where individuals will have the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic talents, rooted in rich cultural traditions. The day will also feature the Olojo Festival Colloquium, an intellectual gathering where scholars and cultural enthusiasts will discuss and reflect on the significance of the festival in preserving history and fostering cultural pride.
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(Final).
In conclusion, the Olojo Festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ife, a city located in southwestern Nigeria. This festival holds immense significance for the people of Ife, as it commemorates the creation of the world according to Yoruba mythology and pays homage to the ancestral spirits. The festival is marked by various traditional rituals, performances, and festivities that attract both locals and tourists alike. It is a time when the community comes together to honor their history, express their identity, and celebrate their shared values.
