As this year’s Olojo festival draws near, Ife people eagerly awaits the inflow of foreigners from all works of life to commemorate the festival.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said this in Ile-Ife on Sunday evening shortly before he entered into seclusion for the period of seven days preceding the festival.

Speaking at the unveiling of   BET9JA as the media sponsor of the festival,  OLojo is believed to be the most important of all the festivals in Yorubaland, Oba Ogunwusi explained that Olojo Festival was about the celebration of the creation of the first day by God.

The Ooni is expected to come out after the seventh day and he would wear the Aare crown which he wears just once in a year.

Oba Ogunwusi said,  “Our ancestors will be appeased during the period and by the time I come out on Saturday for the grand finale, the seclusion rites would have been be concluded.

“It is a celebration of the creation of the universe and many visitors from within the country and Diaspora will come around to celebrate with us. My duty is specifically to offer prayers and that I will do to the best of my ability.

“This year’s Olojo Festival will witness an unprecedented participation of foreigners; the members of the Black Caucus of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and about 150 other black Americans have already indicated interest to participate in the festival.”

The monarch urged the media to continue to be good partner by creating positive awareness about Olojo and other Yoruba festivals and culture in order to portray them in good light.

PUNCH