At the colorful event, Osun State Governor, Alhaji
Adegboyega Oyetola was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Gboyega
Alabi while the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello was represented by his
deputy, Mr. Edward Onoja.
The festival which climaxed on Saturday was preceded by
several spiritual and traditional activities including a seven days seclusion
period for the Ooni.
The frontline monarch fasted and prayed during the period
before coming out on Friday night with prayers for the land and the world
generally.
Addressing the pool of crowd on behalf of the Osun State
Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, Deputy Governor Benedict described the 2021 Olojo
festival as a step higher than the previous editions, thanking the Ooni for his
innovations towards internationalizing the prestigious Yoruba culture and
tradition.
The Governor assured that his administration was putting a
necessary mechanism in place to build Yoruba Museum of global standard in
Ile-ife, adding that the document of the land allocated for the proposed
project has been handed over to the state government by authorities of the
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
According to him, the project was to further accord Ile-Ife its rightful status as the cradle of the Yoruba race, noting that the project, when completed would be a supporting tourism infrastructure for pilgrimage to the ancient city.
At the event which was characterized by dance, various
cultural display and prayers for the world in general, major stakeholders
especially those in the political class were implored to defend and promote the
ancient Yoruba culture.
Top of the day was the Aare procession by the Ooni to and
from Okemogun, where he was received by the Osogun, the Ogun priest.
The happy crowd who formed a thick walkway for the Ooni,
cheerfully prayed loudly as they sight the Aare crown which is the oldest crown
globally.
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