Osun state government to kick-off festival with exhibition

The Osun State Government on Wednesday said this year’s Olojo festival would commence with traditional exhibition and sporting activities on Thursday at the Palace of the Ooni in Ile-Ife, Osun.

The information is contained in a statement issued by the state’s Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

The statement noted that “the Osun State Government, in collaboration with the state’s Council for Arts and Culture, will organise series of cultural events on Thursday as part of activities to mark this year’s Olojo Festival.

“The events include traditional wrestling, traditional Yoruba cuisine, traditional arts and crafts exhibition, exhibition of photo news about historical and tourist sites across the state and more.

“All activities are put together to mark the Ooni’s first Olojo Festival since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.

“The programme, which will kick off at noon on Thursday will have the Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Olasunkanmi Akinola and other House Committee members as Special Guests of honour.

“The Coordinating Director, Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Mrs Femi Webster Esho, will be the Chief Host.”

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, had felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II and all sons and daughters of Ile-Ife both at home and in diaspora on the celebrations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olojo festival is a festival where the King of Ife (Ooni) separates himself from the people to cleanse his palace and himself of all evil forces, after which he leads his people to the Oke mogun shrine where he renews his vows as King.

The week long annual event is meant to celebrate the creation of the universe.

It will climax with the wearing of special beaded crown, worn once annually by Ooni, and the symbolic walk from Ile Oodua, the Ooni’s palace to Oke Mogun.