Ooni of Ife says Nigeria’s economic and social challenges will soon give way to progress, speaking during the 2025 Olojo Festival rites in Ile-Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has assured Nigerians that the nation’s economic and social struggles will soon give way to a new dawn of progress and restoration.

Also read: Ooni of Ife Olojo Festival 2025 Prayers Inspire Hope

Speaking in Ile-Ife on Monday after moving into his ancestral home for the 2025 Olojo Festival rites, the monarch described the ancient celebration as a global symbol of hope, renewal, and divine intervention.

“This Olojo has given us a sample of appreciation. It is a global festival, a festival of thanksgiving.

The day that the day comes out across the universe, we celebrate it here in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. It gives us hope that our condition as a nation is turning around,” Oba Ogunwusi told reporters.

The Ooni commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steering Nigeria through “turbulent waters” and expressed confidence that God continues to strengthen leaders in resolving disputes and stabilising governance.

“All the hardship, difficulties, and challenges Nigerians are facing are turning around for good. Between a year and five years from now, we will begin to experience new life, and all lost glory will be restored.

This is the dew of hope that change is coming,” he declared.

Urging Nigerians to remain patient, united, and prayerful, the monarch emphasised that lasting transformation requires resilience and collective commitment.

He reassured citizens that the economy would recover and that opportunities in governance, security, and development would return for the benefit of all.

Oba Ogunwusi also called on leaders to embrace transparency and accountability, noting that only sincerity and unity of purpose could restore Nigeria’s lost glory.

This year’s Olojo Festival, one of the oldest and most spiritually significant Yoruba festivals, attracted thousands of tourists, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from around the world.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2025 Begins with Powerful Celebration

The celebration, which symbolises the creation of the world and the emergence of daylight after primordial darkness, was marked with prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.