OLOJO FESTIVAL 2025: TOURISM FOR INCLUSIVE GROWH AND CULTURAL REBIRTH

-Special Report-

OLOJO FESTIVAL 2025

Tourism for Inclusive Growth and Cultural Rebirth

In the heart of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization, the 2025 edition of the Olojo Festival unfolded with grandeur, spirituality, and a renewed commitment to cultural renaissance.

Held from September 25 to 29, the festival embraced the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth and Cultural Rebirth,” signaling a strategic shift toward leveraging heritage for economic empowerment and global cultural diplomacy.

The festival commenced with the sacred seclusion of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II. This seven-day spiritual retreat is a cornerstone of the Olojo tradition, during which the monarch communes with ancestral spirits, petitions divine forces, and intercedes for the well-being of the Yoruba people and the Nigerian nation. Upon his emergence, the Ooni offered heartfelt prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity, drawing thousands of worshippers, tourists, and dignitaries to witness the symbolic moment.

Central to the festival was the ceremonial adorning of the sacred Are crown, believed to be the original crown of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The Ooni, clad in regal attire, led processions to revered shrines, performed ancestral rites, and invoked blessings for the land. His prayers extended beyond Ile-Ife, encompassing Nigeria and the global Yoruba diaspora, reinforcing his role as both spiritual father and cultural ambassador.

This year’s celebration distinguished itself by integrating traditional rites with modern cultural programming. Afeworo Square, opposite the Ooni’s Palace, transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Cultural troupes, exhibitions, musical showcases, and a heritage colloquium animated the space, attracting local residents and international visitors alike. A talent hunt and the inaugural 5km Olojo Festival race added youthful energy to the proceedings, promoting fitness and community engagement.

The festival’s inclusive vision was further amplified by corporate sponsorships, notably from Adron Homes and Properties Limited. The company’s support underscored the intersection of tourism, housing, and heritage, with its leadership affirming that true development must honor tradition while creating sustainable opportunities. Their involvement helped elevate the festival’s profile as a global cultural product, capable of strengthening local economies and inspiring generational pride.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the festival was not without controversy. The Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) raised concerns over alleged extortion by individuals claiming to represent the palace, prompting calls for government intervention. While the Ooni was not implicated directly, the incident highlighted the need for transparency and respect for constitutional rights within cultural frameworks.

As the festival drew to a close with ancestral rites and final talent showcases, the message was clear: Olojo is more than a ritual, it is a living heritage. It embodies the Yoruba philosophy of renewal, unity, and reverence for origins.

In 2025, it also became a beacon for inclusive tourism, cultural diplomacy, and national healing. The Ooni’s prayers, the community’s participation, and the festival’s evolving format all converged to reaffirm Ile-Ife’s place not just in history, but in the future of cultural innovation and spiritual leadership.