Ile-Ife agog as it celebrates festival of wealth

The cradle of Yoruba race and ancient city of Ile Ife was agog on February 24 when the annual Aje Festival was celebrated and marked with pomp and merriment by the sons and daughters of the Yoruba land. Yoruba land is one rich in cultural practices and festivals. The ancient and historical city of Ile […]

The cradle of Yoruba race and ancient city of Ile Ife was agog on February 24 when the annual Aje Festival was celebrated and marked with pomp and merriment by the sons and daughters of the Yoruba land. Yoruba land is one rich in cultural practices and festivals.

The ancient and historical city of Ile Ife was a ‘Mecca’ of sorts on as the event began with spiritual prayers and cleansing of the entire Ife Kingdom at the palace of the Ooni before other activities followed.

The all-white attire event symbolizing purity, peace, unity and progressiveness was hosted by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade as coordinator.

Prayers were offered by top spiritual leaders and royal fathers. The prayers were meant to seek God’s intervention in the multifaceted challenges confronting Nigeria.

Aje in Yoruba language means wealth, thus the meaning of the Aje festival is Festival of Wealth. The Ooni said, “We celebrate the spirit of wealth and market profitability (Ajé), in which we recognize the beginning of the first market (Oja Ife), the second largest festival in Ife and all of Yoruba land, with direct connection to the survival of all humanity. This year, the redistribution of wealth will be eminent and it is my prayer that you partake of it. Ajé agbe gbogbo wa!”

He also said “Really and truly, the struggle for Ajé (wealth) is an integral sense of life. Unfortunately, not everyone will have it in abundance. As you see the struggle for Ajé is intense, and indeed a true reflection of our everyday life in struggling to make ends meet. May we never lack Ajé in fulfilling our essence of living. May God let us be content with the little or plenty we have; it has a powerful spirit attached to it that keeps pushing one in life. This festival has been in Ife for thousands of years and is now back fully with the same concept as of old. The oldest human race in the world cannot be compared to anything. God bless all sons and daughters of Oduduwa and God bless the entire world as a whole. Ajé agbe gbogbo wa!”

The Ooni also noted that Aje is of great positive influence on the world’s economy. He also stressed the significant role the Igbos played in the growth and development of market activities, which is still reference point till date as he revealed that the first trade and commerce in the world started at the famous Igbo Mekun Market in Ile-Ife

“We must go back to our history. This celebration belongs to all, including our brothers and sisters from the eastern part of the country.

“Igbo people are naturally part of the celebration, because Nigeria’s economy won’t be complete without emphatically mentioning them,” the monarch pointed out.

The day of the Aje is recognized on Monday, ‘Ojo Aje’, in Yoruba parlance. In the practice of the Aje Festival, business men and women would purchase a white pigeon, which is symbolic of purity and peace.

The Ooni leads the procession to the ‘Idi Aje’ the shrine where the Aje deity resides. After prayers with the pigeon at the ‘Idi Aje’, the bird is set free.

The mythical meaning of the Aje relates to those who are successful in business. And to ensure that there is more wealth in business, it is important to pray for this wealth

Market women and men displayed their farm product, foodstuffs, goods, and products for the array of visitors and tourists who came in their numbers to Ife to enjoy the sights and sound of this festival.

Many in their hundreds including residents, entertainers, tourists and royal fathers come together to celebrate with the Ooni of Ife.

The Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Tinibu-Ojo, said Aje Festival is one of the peculiar Yoruba deities with great economic potentials. She assured that the Aje festival will give the economy a lift.

The Coordinator of the festival, Princes Toyin Kolade, showed immense appreciation to the Ooni for supporting cultural tourism which will give a boost to the nation’s economy.

It was all fun and merriment as royal fathers, government officials, tourists from outside Nigeria, Nollywood stars and indigenes made the event a colourful and memorable one.

The 2020 Aje Festival will no doubt herald a new breath of life into the commercial and economic activities not only in Ile Ife and environs, but throughout Yoruba land and the whole of Nigeria.