The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on politicians and leaders in Nigeria to prioritize the welfare and interests of citizens in their responsibilities. He made this statement on Monday evening at his Royal family home in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the 2026 Olojo Festival. The Ooni, also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, emphasized the need for leaders to place the collective interest of the people above personal and political considerations.
The Ooni stressed that political leadership comes with a responsibility to the people, and those in public offices should remain committed to improving citizens' lives and strengthening national unity. He urged Nigerians to support efforts promoting peace and development, noting that the country's progress requires collective commitment from leaders and citizens. The Ooni's remarks align with his role as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council.
The 2026 Olojo Festival, a significant traditional event associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people, celebrates the emergence of daylight after primordial darkness. The festival is marked by spiritual rites, prayers, and cultural activities seeking peace, prosperity, and progress. This year's celebration drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond.
The Ooni described the Olojo Festival as a global event of thanksgiving, hope, restoration, and divine intervention. He noted that the emergence of daylight carries a message of hope and renewal for humanity, particularly during a time when nations face various challenges. The Ooni expressed hope that Nigeria's condition is turning around, citing the festival as a sample of appreciation.
The Ooni commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and offered ancestral prayers and blessings for the President, expressing hope for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in Nigeria. He urged political leaders to see their positions as opportunities to serve humanity, rather than avenues for personal enrichment or division.
The 2026 Olojo Festival boosted commercial activities in Ile-Ife, with traders, hospitality operators, and other businesses recording increased patronage during the festival period. The event has once again placed Ile-Ife at the center of global attention, providing an avenue for preserving and promoting Yoruba cultural heritage.
The Olojo Festival remains one of the most significant traditional festivals in Nigeria, and its 2026 edition has strengthened Ile-Ife's position as a major destination for cultural tourism. The festival's impact extends beyond cultural preservation, contributing to the local economy and promoting national unity.
Key points
- The Ooni of Ife calls on politicians to prioritize citizens' welfare and interests in their responsibilities.
- The 2026 Olojo Festival celebrates the emergence of daylight and seeks peace, prosperity, and progress for the Yoruba people.
- The festival has boosted commercial activities in Ile-Ife and promoted Yoruba cultural heritage.
