Dignitaries, Prominent Monarchs Set To Storm Ile-Ife As Ooni Marks Years On The Throne

Posted on September 6, 2025

World leaders, prominent monarchs, scholars, and cultural icons from Africa and the diaspora are set to converge on Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimila, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, set to mark his 10th coronation anniversary with an eight-day international cultural festival.

Themed “Ten Years of Aṣé: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity”, the landmark celebration will run from November 30 to December 7, 2025, featuring a wide array of events aimed at promoting Yoruba heritage, Pan-African solidarity, and socio-economic advancement.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, the Ooni, who was represented by his Queen, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, and his spokesman, Otunba Moses Olafare, Chief of Staff of Slowe Ganzi International, Mrs Bonike Thomas-Ojo, member of the 10th coronation anniversary committee, Mr. Olabisi Awope said the anniversary was more than a local festivity, describing it as a global gathering to honour Yoruba civilisation and strengthen Africa’s cultural identity.

They said the festival will attract royalty, political leaders, academics, cultural icons, and tourists, transforming Ile-Ife into the epicentre of African heritage and global unity.

Highlights of the week-long programme include the premiere of a cultural film titled The Journey to Ife: A Renewal of Culture, a Yoruba Drama, Arts and Film Festival, as well as a carnival showcasing Yoruba unity and traditions. A compendium of Yoruba lineage will also be exhibited, alongside guided tours of shrines dedicated to deities such as Orunmila, Olodumare, and the Orisas.

Other attractions include a Yoruba food festival, fashion shows blending traditional and modern outfits, traditional sports and games, a royal gala night, and a fireworks and drone display narrating the history of the Yoruba nation.

They emphasised that Ooni’s reign has been dedicated to peace-building, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

They cited the establishment of initiatives such as the Inagbe Cocowood Factory, OjajaMore Shopping Malls, and employment opportunities for youths as examples of his socio-economic interventions.

“Since ascending the throne in 2015, Arole Oodua has consistently championed initiatives that bridge Africa and its diaspora. This anniversary is not only a Nigerian celebration but a global gathering of the African spirit,” they noted.

The celebration will also feature royal homage to the Ooni by dignitaries, Obas, and distinguished guests, while a mystical procession of all 401 Ifa deities will provide a spiritual climax to the historic festival.