The Arole Odùduwà Olofin Adimula, Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Natural Head of the Odùduwà race worldwide, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has formally brought the 2026 World Obàtálá Festival to a close in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, calling on humanity to embrace unity, patience and upright living.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni described the annual sacred celebration as a deeply symbolic spiritual institution that continues to serve as a platform for peace, moral rebirth and cultural rejuvenation.
According to the Ooni, the World Obàtálá Festival remains one of the most profound spiritual observances within Yorubaland, embodying the core values of purity, wisdom, patience and the sanctity of human life. He explained that the rites, prayers and teachings observed throughout the festival are designed to realign individuals and societies with the timeless principles of truth, righteousness, compassion and responsible leadership.
The 2026 edition of the festival, which held from Wednesday, January 14 to Tuesday, January 27, attracted a diverse gathering of devotees, traditional custodians, scholars, cultural enthusiasts and members of the global Yoruba diaspora, further reinforcing Ilé-Ifẹ̀’s status as the spiritual and cultural nucleus of the Yoruba world.
Obàtálá, also known as Òrìṣànlá, occupies a central position in Yoruba cosmology. Revered as the Orisha of creation, purity, wisdom, justice and moral uprightness, Obàtálá is traditionally believed to be the divine artisan entrusted by Olódùmarè with the moulding of human existence. In line with long-standing tradition, devotees were adorned in white garments throughout the festival, symbolising spiritual clarity, purity of thought and ethical discipline.
The festival activities commenced on January 14 with Osan, the spiritual opening and initiation day, marked by purification rites and sacred observances at the Obàtálá Temple, setting the tone for collective renewal and spiritual preparedness.
On January 15, the celebration featured an International Colloquium and Itaala Orisa Night, bringing together scholars, priests, devotees and cultural custodians for intellectual engagement and spiritual discourse on the relevance of Obàtálá’s principles in contemporary Yoruba moral philosophy, governance and leadership.
January 17 was dedicated to Exhibition Day and Oshosi Day at the Obàtálá Holy Temple, showcasing traditional arts, cultural displays, music and ritual performances that highlighted the depth and richness of Yoruba heritage. This was followed on January 18 with Ase Oba and Ase Iwrogba rites.
On January 19, the festival witnessed the Itonini Procession, Iwure Day and Oru initiation rites, featuring sacred processions, communal prayers and ritual teachings aimed at spiritual instruction and communal bonding. The celebrations continued on January 20 with Ipewo Day and a traditional procession to Iranje Idita, further reinforcing unity and collective worship.
A major spiritual climax occurred on January 23 with the observance of Ase Oonirisa, Nini Osan and Ekuru Itapa Day, during which symbolic offerings and special prayers were made for peace, moral governance and global harmony. On January 24, Etutu Oonirisa was held, as Obàtálá devotees were formally received and hosted by the Oonirisa, strengthening the sacred bond between the throne and spiritual adherents.
The rites continued on January 25 with Iyin Aje ceremonies for Oonirisa at Ejibomekun, deepening the spiritual relationship between custodians and worshippers. The festival formally concluded on January 27 with Iyin Egbe and the official declaration of the closure of the 2026 World Obàtálá Festival, marking a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and spiritual transition.
Throughout the two-week celebration, Ilé-Ifẹ̀ came alive with daily worship at the Obàtálá Temple, traditional drumming, chants, vibrant street processions and colourful cultural displays. Regular teachings, ritual instructions and testimonies were held, accommodating both long-standing adherents and new participants seeking spiritual insight.
Beyond its religious essence, the World Obàtálá Festival has grown into a major avenue for cultural diplomacy, identity reconnection and intellectual exchange, drawing participants from across the African diaspora and global scholars of indigenous spirituality who continue to engage with Ilé-Ifẹ̀ as a living centre of tradition and knowledge.
As the festival drew to a close, the Ooni urged all participants and observers to carry the teachings of Obàtálá beyond the shrines into their daily lives, stressing that genuine spirituality is ultimately reflected in humility, justice, peaceful coexistence and selfless service to humanity.