Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, led natives of Ile-Ife, particularly devotees of Osara, in celebrating the festival of the goddess on Saturday.
Addressing reporters before proceeding to the ancient Osara Groove amid cheers from natives and residents of Ife, Olori Ashley explained that the festival has been laced with immeasurable spiritual components since time immemorial.
“Many are here with several prayer requests which is an attestation of their firm belief in Osara which does not fail its devotees.
“Historically, Osara is very relevant to we Yorubas and our kinsmen scattered across the world. That is why people travel from far and wide to celebrate this great deity.
“I hereby pray that the Almighty Olodumare answers all our prayers through Osara, a committed servant of God the creator,” Olori Ashley stated.
Also, the Olosara of Ife Oba Isoro Ishola Osunwusi said Osara was a festival that all sons and daughters of Yorubas needed to celebrate annually.
According to him, if they fail to worship Osara yearly, there will be repercussions because she provides children for everyone.
“If anyone needs child(ren), let him/her ask from Osara, she would surely provide for such.
“All the babes seeing here bathing today were given to their Mummy last year and they bring them here to pay their vow, so Osara is worthy of celebration,” he said.
Osunwusi added that Osara was a virtous woman who was humble, gentle and of good character.
Olosara explained that Osara gave birth to Okanbi for Oduduwa; Okanbi gave birth to seven children, such as Oba of Benin, Olupopo of Popo, Onisabe of Sabe, Olowu of Owu, Orangun of Ila, among others.
