Ten years ago, on 7 December 2015, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was crowned the 51st Ooni of Ife, spiritual head of the Yoruba race and direct successor to Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people. A decade later, the ancient city of Ile-Ife and the global Yoruba community are celebrating a reign widely regarded as one of the most peaceful, progressive, and impactful in the long history of the throne.
From the moment he ascended the stool at the age of 41, the youngest Ooni in over 600 years, Oba Ogunwusi, made it clear that his vision was to modernise tradition without losing its essence.
He has spent the past ten years proving that a traditional ruler can be a unifying force, an economic catalyst, a global cultural ambassador, and a champion of youth and women.
Key Achievements of the Decade
Peace and Conflict Resolution
The Ooni has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most effective peacemakers. Through discreet, high-level traditional diplomacy, he has helped resolve numerous farmer-herder clashes, communal disputes, and political tensions across Yorubaland and neighbouring regions. Within Ile-Ife itself, long-standing intra-community conflicts have been settled, restoring harmony to the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
Economic and Youth Empowerment
Through the House of Oduduwa and the Ojaja Foundation, thousands of young people have received vocational training, start-up grants, and mentorship.
Initiatives such as the Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) and the annual Ojaja Pan-African Entrepreneurship Summit have created jobs, built businesses, and connected Yoruba talent in the diaspora with opportunities back home. Ile-Ife, once seen only as a historical and spiritual centre, now hosts growing tech and agro-processing clusters.
Global Promotion of Yoruba Culture
Oba Ogunwusi has taken the Yoruba heritage to the world stage. He has addressed the United Nations General Assembly, welcomed presidents and prime ministers to the palace, revived major festivals, and supported the creation of the Ojaja Digital Museum. If art, philosophy, and traditional religion are once again subjects of serious global academic and cultural interest.
Women Empowerment
A notable moment during this anniversary period was the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Oodua on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in recognition of her lifelong service to women, youth, and the nation.
As the celebrations continue across Yorubaland and in diaspora communities worldwide, the consensus is clear. In just ten years, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has redefined what a modern African monarch can achieve while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.
The Yoruba nation and all who have benefited from his leadership join in praying for his continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of transformative reign.
Kabiyesi o, ki ade pe lori, ki bata pe lese, ki ase pe lenu, ase!
Dr. Mrs. Modupe Ayangbesan
Women Leader,
APC USA Chapter
December 2025