The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday, embarked on a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, holding from September 24 to 28.

Mr Ogunwusi, according to a statement by Sodiq Lawal, the monarch’s spokesman, would use the period to pray for divine intervention, peace, unity, and sustainable progress in Nigeria.

“The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commenced a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State,” said the statement.

Stating that his prayers during the seclusion would cover the country’s democratic process, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the Ooni appealed to politicians to avoid actions and utterances that could threaten national cohesion, reiterating that political power is temporary.

Mr Ogunwusi, who stated that the seclusion, which is part of the traditional and spiritual rites preceding the yearly festival, one of the most significant cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people, said, “My message for Nigeria as a nation is that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. We should always strive very hard not to utter anything that will affect our sovereignty.

“I am appealing to our politicians. They might have differences, but we should know ultimately that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. It is very important for our political leaders to always look inwardly on how to better the lot of the average Nigerian.”

The monarch also commended the people of Osun for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, describing the outcome as an indication of citizens’ power to choose their leaders through the ballot, and adding that the electoral process should continue to give Nigerians the opportunity to make their choices freely.

The Ooni hailed President Bola Tinubu for his “non-interference” in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying such developments could strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

He said he would devote part of his prayers to Nigerian youths, expressing hope that they would enjoy the dividends of democracy and have better opportunities to contribute to the country’s development.

The Ooni explained that the seclusion period would allow him to deepen his spiritual connection with the ancestors and prepare for the sacred rites associated with the Olojo Festival.

“As I am going into seclusion, that deprives me of every human relationship. I will have to connect with my ancestors more, in an atmosphere of divinity,” he said.