Olojo Festival Gains Momentum in Ile Ife

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The 2016 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife gained momentum yesterday as people in the ancient city and its environs trooped out in large number to celebrate the festival with all the major streets wearing new looks with the logo of Olojo hanged around.
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This was amidst jubilation and fun fair by youths in the ancient city. Security personnel were also present to ensure the adherence to law and order.

It will be recalled that the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) had on Sunday moved into seven-day seclusion immediately after unveiling the replica of Are Crown in front of Oke-Mogun Shrine, Enuwa roundabout.
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During the commissioning, the Ooni prayed for the peace and tranquillity of the ancient city and Nigeria at large.

Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs Comrade Moses Olafare added, “The Ooni entered seclusion ‎after performing the history making commissioning since Sunday and he is expected to wear the Aare crown tomorrow (Saturday).

All these show the incomparable nature of Ile-Ife. We have an ancient city that is second to none. Respected and distinguished personalities are expected to storm this ancient city to commemorate the wearing of the sacred and supernatural traditional crown.” Comrade Olafare added.

The Ooni will be putting on the Aare crown for the first time since his emergence, which should be worn once in a year.‎
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The festival grand finale, which started ‎on Saturday 08, had witnessed many events among which are Gbajure Cultural Carnival; Ooni’s Football Challenge; inter-school debate; quiz competition, art exhibition musical carnivals organized by International Brewery makers of Trophy lager beer.
Others are Ayo Olopon traditional game, yoruba cultura entertainment night, dancing competition, wrestling(ijakadi), omodon (Sisi) Olojo Cultural pageant, and fashion show.

Loowa Adimula of Ife,High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, disclosed that the festival has been in existence since the day of their forefathers.

He explained that Olojo 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.

“We witness today and forever in Ile-Ife, landmarks predating the existence of mankind; signaling the establishment of mankind on earth, through the source – Ile-Ife.‎”