HER MAJESTY QUEEN ASHLEY AFOLASADE OJAJAOGUNWUSI WELCOMES THE WORLD TO OLOJO FESTIVAL 2026, CALLS FOR PEACE, UNITY, AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

 

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ASHLEY AFOLASADE OJAJAOGUNWUSI WELCOMES THE WORLD TO OLOJO FESTIVAL 2026, CALLS FOR PEACE, UNITY, AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolashade OjajaOgunwusi 

ILE-IFE, NIGERIA — September 23, 2026 — As the ancient city of Ile-Ife prepares to celebrate the annual Olojo Festival, Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolasade Ojaja Ogunwusi, Yeye Omi Oodua, has extended a warm and royal welcome to sons and daughters of Yoruba land, national dignitaries, and international tourists gathering for the sacred cultural event.

The Olojo Festival, an age-old celebration commemorating creation, divine blessings, and the oneness of humanity, commences this week with a rich 5-day lineup of cultural, intellectual, and traditional ceremonies across the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.

Speaking ahead of the commencement of activities, Her Majesty emphasized the profound spiritual and historical importance of Olojo, describing it as a time of global renewal, thanksgiving, and cultural pride.

 "Olojo is not merely a festival; it is a sacred testament to our rich heritage, our resilience, and the divine light bestowed upon humanity from the cradle of civilization," Her Majesty stated. "As the Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II CFR, embarks on the sacred seclusion and lead our people in prayers for global harmony, we extend our open arms to welcome visitors from every corner of the earth to experience the unparalleled majesty of Ife culture."

Her Majesty also highlighted key highlights of this year’s celebrations, including youth-centered initiatives such as the Ayo Olopon traditional games and Olojo Colloquium, as well as the Adire Oodua Cultural Exchange Exhibition, which showcases the artistic brilliance and economic empowerment of indigenous textile artisans.

The key highlights of the festival timeline include:

 Thursday, Sept 24: Ayo Olopon Traditional Games & The Olojo Festival Colloquium

 Friday, Sept 25 (Ojo Ilagun): Iwode Ife Cleansing Procession & The Ooni’s Message to the World

 Saturday, Sept 26 (Ojo Okemogun): The Festival’s Grand Highlight — The Aare Cultural Procession featuring the emergence of the Ooni of Ife wearing the sacred, ancient Aare Crown

 Sunday, Sept 27 (Ojo Ajoyo): Grand Royal Reception & The Adire Oodua Cultural Exchange Exhibition

 Monday, Sept 28 (Ojo Ibile): Ancestral Propitiations & Cultural Talent Hunt Finals

Her Majesty calls on all guardians of culture, media partners, and community leaders to join in celebrating the beauty, peace, and unity that Olojo represents to the African diaspora and the world at large.

Media Contact:

Olufemi Odeyemi 

08050529832

Office of Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolasade Ojaja Ogunwusi

Royal House of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria