The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will mark his 10th year on the throne with an eight-day international cultural festival in Ile-Ife.
The event, themed “A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity,” will run from November 30 to December 7, 2025, and is expected to draw world leaders, royals, cultural icons, scholars, and tourists.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ile-Ife on Wednesday, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi said the Ooni’s reign has restored Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and “the spiritual heart of Africa.”
She praised the monarch for redefining traditional leadership for the modern era, saying, “Since ascending the throne in 2015, Ooni has consistently championed initiatives that have touched lives both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.”
Highlighting his impact, she noted that the Ooni has promoted cultural diplomacy and Pan-African unity, creating stronger ties between Africa and the diaspora, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean.
“Through his outreach, communities who trace their lineage to Yoruba heritage have strengthened their bonds with the motherland,” she added.
Queen Ogunwusi also pointed out the monarch’s efforts in economic empowerment. “Beyond cultural ties, the Ooni has been a strong advocate for economic empowerment through his businesses, including the Inagbe Cocowood factory and the Ojajamore Shopping Mall, which has created employment for more than 3,000 indigenous youths,” she said.
The festival will showcase Yoruba culture while fostering cultural exchange with the rest of the world. According to Queen Ogunwusi, the anniversary will position Ile-Ife as “the epicenter of African heritage and global unity for one historic week.”
