The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, is set to host the 2024 annual Aje Festival; an ancient rite that connotes economic growth, prosperity and productivity.
According to the statement released by the Monarch’s aide on Friday revealed that the Aje Festival was last hold in 2022, will now take place at the Ile Oodua Palace of Ife on Monday, 26th February, 2024, by 10am.
This is sequel to the Ooni’s satisfaction with the Aje Festival Planning Committee led by The Iyalale Oodua, Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade who doubles as The Global Coordinator for Aje Festival International.
Commemorating this year’s edition, various activities and rites have been scheduled to take place including the traditional Aje procession from Ile Oodua Palace to the Aje Temple at Oja Ejigbomekun, also known as Oja Ife; the first market ever known to man.
Peak of the festival is the royal procession during which the Ooni will lead the entire Ife Traditional Council, special guests, natives and residents of the ancient city of to major historic and spiritual sites including the Aje Temple to offer supplications for the country’s economic prosperity.
There will be side attractions like traditional performances by cultural troupes across the country, stage plays and other activities to entertain guests and everyone present at the Palace.
Aje; a diety which is the goddess of wealth and trade profitability is one of the 401 super human inhabitants of the first world at Ootu Ife, the source of mankind.
While the last edition of this iconic festival could not take place in 2023 due to the economic realities of the country then particularly, the cash crunch, this edition promises to be the best ever.