Exclusive photo of Ooni of Ife’s UNSHAVEN look after 7 days with the gods (photos)
– Ooni of Ife has been in hiding from the people for seven days during which he commune with the gods from Sunday, October 9 till Friday October 14
– This according to tradition is in preparation of the Aare Festival, a yearly event
– Are Crown is said to be the ancient crown of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba came to the earth from heaven with
His Imprerial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) had on Sunday, October 9, 2016 moved into seven-day seclusion immediately after unveiling the replica of Are Crown in front of Oke-Mogun Shrine, Enuwa roundabout, Ile Ife.
This will be the first time the respected monarch will embark on the yearly rite since his enthronement as the Ooni of Ife in 2015.
A replica of Are Crown in front of the palace
Oba Ogunwusi was looking pale and white and was dressed in all white ensembles as he came back to the palace. His beards appeared unkempt as no blade was allowed to touch him in the land of the spirit where he just came back from.
READ ALSO: Excl: Human existence started from Ile Ife, artifacts show – Ooni
Ooni Ogunwusi unkempt beard after 7-day seclusion
Explaining the significance of Olojo festival, the Loowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, disclosed that the festival has been in existence since the day of their forefathers. The festival commemorates the descent of Oduduwa to Ile-Ife, saying, “It is historically tied to Ogun the quintessential deity of iron and truth who is the father of modern science.”
A procession of chiefs leading the Ooni away to commune with the gods
Literally, Olojo festival (Ojo ti ojo di ojo), meaning “the day day became day”. It is believed to be a day when all prayers will be answered.
The Olojo festival promises to be a turning point in promoting African culture and business initiatives through Nigeria’s domestic tourism as well as well as further showcasing the image of the Yoruba race as a peace loving people.
READ ALSO: Nigeria can develop tourism through traditional religion
Ooni is expected to wear the Are crown on Saturday, October, 15. During the hours he wears the crown he is expected to pray and bring messages from the gods to his people and such prayers are said to be answered.
Chiefs in procession performing rituals for the safety of the Ooni in seclusion
The Are crown is said to have five sensory organs like every human being. The festival runs from October 14 and ends on October 17 which doubles as Ooni’s 42nd birthday.
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