Awele, a young girl with eyes full of curiosity, stood at the crowd’s edge, her heart pounding. “I wonder where the Ooni goes,” she whispered to her friends, her voice barely audible over the hushed excitement. “Some say he travels to the land of the ancestors.”
For generations, the Ooni’s mysterious seven-day seclusion during the Olojo Festival has intrigued the Yoruba people and scholars alike.
Each year, the Ooni, considered the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people, retreats from public view for seven days as part of the Olojo Festival’s rituals.
During this time, the monarch is in deep spiritual communion—a tradition deeply rooted in Yoruba cosmology. But what happens during those seven days? Where does the Ooni go? And why is this ritual so significant to the Yoruba people?
The reason behind the Ooni’s seclusion
According to Oba Ogunwusi’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, this year, the Ooni entered seclusion on Sunday, September 22, 2024. During the seclusion, Olafare said, the monarch would commune with his ancestors and pray for the well-being of Nigerians and mankind.
The seclusion “allows the Ooni to withdraw from the human distractions. It is usually marked by silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing, allowing him to focus solely on the divine communication with the spirits.
Ooni Ogunwusi marked his 9th edition of the Olojo Festival on Saturday 28th when he appeared to the public with the sacred Crown of Oduduwa. Known as ‘Ade Aare’, the sacred crown is worn once a year to commemorate the birth of the Yoruba race.
The Olojo Festival is also a celebration of the birth of the crown itself. The ‘Ade Aare’ is considered the “crown of all crowns” and symbolises the unity of the Oodua people. The crown, with its rainbow-like spectrum of colours, is seen as a connection between the divine and the earthly realm.
The seven-day isolation and beyond
The Ooni’s seven-day isolation is meant to purify him and enhance the potency of his prayers. Before his emergence, women from his maternal and paternal families cleanse the palace, symbolically sweeping away any negative energy.
“During this time, he undertakes solemn prayers and makes offerings, not only on behalf of the Yoruba race, but for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the entire nation. It is a time of deep intercession, seeking the favour of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people,” Olafare said.
Once the seclusion ends, the Ooni leads a procession to Okemogun’s shrine, where he performs sacred rites. These duties include renewing his oath and seeking divine insight from Araba, the Chief Priest, at the base of Oketage Hill. Along the way, the Ooni pays homage to historical sites, further emphasising the deep-rooted connection between the Yoruba people and their spiritual heritage.
Many believe that the prayers offered to Olodumare through the sacred crown during the festival often bring about miraculous results, showcasing its spiritual power and connection to the community.
The crown is seen as a spiritual entity, embodying elements of human nature and interaction. As participants engage in the festival’s rituals, they honour their heritage and the traditions passed down through generations, recognising their deep-rooted connection to their identity and the invaluable legacy of their ancestors. (Guardian)
