The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday commenced a seven-day seclusion ahead of the annual Olojo festival, which begins in Ile Ife next Saturday.
The monarch was in very high spirit when he was being ushered into the shrine where he would stay for the period of his seclusion to converse with the gods.
He said, “I am going into seclusion and will be praying for peace in Nigeria and for the whole world.”
The Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, said Oba Ogunwusi would not eat anything while in seclusion.
In line with tradition, Oba Ogunwusi pronounced the business mogul, Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Keshington, as the new Odole, a traditional chieftaincy title last occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The Odole is an exalted position and the holder of the office is meant to serve as a rallying point for Yoruba sons and daughters home and abroad.
The Ooni said, “The Odole, a position once occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a highly revered chieftaincy tittle in Yorubaland pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while he was a prince of Ife.
“Oranmiyan served as a rallying point and stabilizing force among the powerful empires within the expansive Oduduwa territory before becoming the Ooni in Ife after his exploits, which cut across Benin and Oyo kingdoms where he established his royal dynasties that have been in existence till date.
“Historically, the office has its roots in the remarkable roles played by Oranmiyan, the great ruler of the old Oyo and Benin kingdoms. Oranmiyan was adventurous, dutiful and at the service of his other siblings. He stood as an effective link between them.
“Though both Benin and Oyo kingdoms were at a point the most powerful domains within the expansive Oduduwa territory, Oranmiyan ensured they never overran each other.”
Oba Ogunwusi said all the necessary rites attached to the installation were being observed ahead of the installation.
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