The ancient city of Ile-Ife is preparing to welcome world leaders and traditional rulers from across Africa as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, marks a decade on the throne.
The eight-day celebration, themed “Ten Years of Ase: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity,” has been carefully designed to showcase the monarch’s contributions over the past ten years.
According to the organizing committee, the anniversary will combine cultural displays, traditional rites, academic engagements, and socio-economic summits, reflecting the Ooni’s role as a custodian of heritage and a promoter of development.
At a press briefing ahead of the festivities, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi described the milestone as more than a commemoration of the Ooni’s enthronement in 2015. She emphasized that it also celebrates his legacy of peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and national progress.
“The Ooni of Ife is not only the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people but also one of Africa’s most respected monarchs,” she said. “His reign has redefined traditional leadership in modern times, turning Ile-Ife once again into the heartbeat of Yoruba civilization and the spiritual home of Africa.”
Olori Aderonke further noted the Ooni’s efforts to strengthen ties with the African diaspora, particularly communities in the Americas and the Caribbean who trace their ancestry to Yoruba heritage.
“Through his initiatives, many of these communities have reconnected with their roots, deepening cultural bonds with the motherland,” she added.
Representing Slowe Ganzi International, Bonike Thomas-Ojo revealed that the anniversary program will also feature documentaries chronicling the Ooni’s reign.
She disclosed that the celebration would culminate in a royal banquet, bringing together dignitaries from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas in honor of Oba Ogunwusi.
For one historic week, Ile-Ife will transform into a global hub of culture, tradition, and unity as the Ooni’s 10th anniversary places the city and its rich heritage at the center of international attention.
