From Clement Adeyi, Osogbo

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for total repackaging of African culture through advocacies capable of inspiring interest and practice, especially among the youths.

The monarch made the call in his palace, ahead of the annual Olojo festival, which is one of the major cultural activities in Ile-Ife, Osun State,   scheduled for this month.

He stressed the need to remove all negative tags and impressions about cultural beliefs of the black race to be able to maximise cultural benefits.

Oba Ogunwusi also called for proper education of the younger generation on the significance of major cultural celebrations of the Yoruba race. 

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He disclosed that some foreign tourists, including members of Black Caucus of Pennsylvania House of Representatives and about 150 other black America tourists have already indicated interest to participate in the event as a part of tourism experience

The monarch,  who gave a historical background of the festival, revealed that during the festival, the Ooni would wear the Are Crown, an annual ritual and take a trip to Oke Mogun, the spot where the first dusk and dawn reportedly first happened.

Highlighting activities lined up to make this year’s festival a rewarding outing for tourists and participants, Oba Ogunwusi said it would feature reorientation workshop for the youths on culture, football competition, ayo olopon, fashion show and traditional musical night.

The Ooni is expected to go into a seven-day seclusion, to commune with his ancestors, and pray for Nigeria before the grand finale slated for September 30, 2017.