The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on stakeholders in Africa to prioritise the unity of the African continent, saying pan-Africanism is non-negotiable.
Ooni made the call while speaking with newsmen in his palace on Sunday in preparation for seclusion as part of the Olojo rites.
He said that stakeholders should not be deprived of the Pan African movement and behaviour should be very apt.
The Ooni called on the African continent to unite and be peaceful for the development of its citizenry.
“Pan African movement is not negotiable as this is a way out for us in Africa, for the unity of African continent as this must be paramount to all of us.
“I will use the medium to pray for African Unity and movement, for actualisation of Pan Africanism. We therefore as stakeholders must play our roles to ensure that Africa as a continent speaks in unity,” he stated.
Ooni emphasised that Nigeria needs spiritual intervention at this time of economy downturn, adding that he would utilise this period to pray for way out at the seclusion.
“I will pray for the unity of Africa. Things are very hard. We all know the economic challenges that people are facing.
“This is the time we need spiritual and divine intervention. My annual OLOJO seclusion. This is how my ancestors have been doing it.
”We should pray very well because things are very hard. We all know the state of the economy. It is a sensitive thing that needs prayer which should not go out of hand.
The festival takes place annually in October and involves several elaborate ritual prayers led by the Ooni.
It is marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and is attended by people of all ages. Olojo has remained popular in Ile-Ife because it is the only day in the year believed to be specially blessed by Olodumare (the Creator of the Universe).
