The people of Ile- Ife people have diverse deities and as a result they celebrate a great many traditional festivals annually among which is ‘Olojo’ festival, celebrated in remembrance of “Ogun,” god of Iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people. The festival is held annually in October.
The 2016 preparation of the festival was discussed in ‘Olojo’ festival corporate forum, which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos. The festival is first, which the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwwusi, would celebrate since his enthronement as the Ooni of Ife on the 7th of December, 2015. An age-long tradition of the ancient city of Ile-Ife celebrated by indigenes of the town,Olojo Festival began during the reign of the third Ooni of Ile-Ife. The activities of the 2016 ‘Olojo’ festival will hold from Saturday 8th to Monday, 17th October, 2016, with several sporting activities like Ooni’s football challenge, Quiz competition, prayers, songs, dancing, ‘Ayo Olopon’ traditional game, beauty pageant and many more. Olojo festival is mainly a three-day event.
The first day, which is Friday, 14th of October is called “Ilagun” day. The second day, being Saturday is called “Olojo”, while the third day being Sunday is the grand finale and for merry-making. Thus, before the commencement of the festival on the first day, the Ooni of Ife would first of all emerge wearing the sacred beaded crown “Ade Aare” which is believed to have been empowered by the deities. However, before the festival commences proper, the sitting Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, would go incommunicado or into seclusion for a period of five days to communicate with the 401 deities that resided in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, including; Oduduwa, Oranmiyan, Obatala and Oluorogbo. This festival is in honour of the revolutionary deity, Ogun (the god of iron). The festival is to commemorate the importance of Ogun; to exhibit the solemn belief of the Ife people on Ogun deity to usher in prosperity and abundance of agricultural products, as well as the well- being of the people for the year.