Olojo Festival 2026: Queen Ashley Afolashade and Prince Ademakinwa Stand Beside Ooni in Historic Celebration

Olojo Festival 2026: Queen Ashley Afolashade and Prince Ademakinwa Stand Beside Ooni in Historic Celebration

His Royal Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II at the Olojo Festival

Olufemi Odeyemi, ILE-IFE, NIGERIA – The ancient city of Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people, has successfully concluded the historic Olojo Festival, a vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration dedicated to the creation of the world. The festival, a cornerstone of the Yoruba cultural calendar, drew thousands of participants and spectators, including high-ranking government officials, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe.

A powerful thread running through this year’s festivities was the visible presence of Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ashley Afolashade OjajaOgunwusi, who accompanied her husband, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at every major event.

Ooni of Ife on his way to seclusion here, accompanied by Queen Ashley 

The festival started with the Ooni embarking on his traditional seven-day period of spiritual seclusion (Ilara) on Sunday, September 20, 2026 . This period of prayer and introspection is crucial for the spiritual cleansing of the land and the monarch himself, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of the festival. He returned on Friday, September 25, 2026 from seclusion to the applause of his subjects, marking the official commencement of the festival proper with communal cleansing rituals and the symbolic lighting of the ‘Atupa Olojo’ (Olojo Lamp), and on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Queen Ashley Afolashade OjajaOgunwusi who was beautifully adorned in traditional Yoruba attire participated in a prayer and sacrifice ceremony. This special ceremony included prayers for the peace and prosperity of the land and the nation. 

The Queen’s active involvement and radiant smile were a source of inspiration for the massive crowd in attendance.

Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolashade OjajaOgunwusi at the Olojo festival 

The subsequent days saw various cultural performances, including drumming, dancing, and traditional storytelling, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. During the 'Ojo Ajoyo' grand celebrations on Sunday 27th, traditional chiefs and dance groups paid homage to the royal court. Queen Ashley in company of other queens gracefully accepted the honor, waving and interacting with the crowd.

Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolashade OjajaOgunwusi 

The final day featured a massive street procession led by the Ooni who was joined by Queen Ashley and her son, Prince Ademakinwa, and other members of the royal family. Prince Ademakinwa who dressed in white traditional regalia, was a delightful sight, capturing the hearts of the people with his innocence and charm.

Speaking on the successful conclusion of the festival, the Ooni expressed his gratitude to all the people of Ile-Ife and the global community for their massive support, emphasizing that the festival serves as a vital platform for promoting unity, peace, and cultural preservation.

 

Queen Ashley expressed her joy and satisfaction in witnessing the successful conclusion of the festival: "The Olojo Festival is a time of immense pride for every son and daughter of Ile-Ife. I am humbled and deeply grateful to be part of this ancient tradition and to stand by my husband, the Ooni, in honoring our ancestors and celebrating our culture. Seeing the joyful participation of everyone, especially my young son, Prince Ademakinwa, in these timeless traditions is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of our people."

The Olojo Festival continues to be a cornerstone of cultural heritage and tourism development in Nigeria. The grand outcome of this year’s event has further cemented its place as one of the most prestigious traditional celebrations in Africa.