Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi: The Custodian Of The Yoruba Race & Culture

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Ooni of Ife, etched his name into the history books as one of Nigeria’s youngest monarchs when he ascended to the revered Ooni throne in 2015. Nine years later, the reign of Oba Ogunwusi has brought prosperity to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, considered the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people. Despite desperate attempts to bring Oba Ogunwusi’s reign into disrepute by some unknown characters, the flamboyant monarch has continued to prosper just like a tree planted by the streams of water. Whatever Oba Ogunwusi touches turns to gold. And this is evident in the massive transformation of Ile-Ife since Oba Ogunwusi ascended the throne of his forefathers. Before his elevation as Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi had built a reputation for excellence. He was one of the big players in the Nigerian real estate industry, where he rode like a colossus. Unsurprisingly, Oba Ogunwusi has brought his spirit of excellence into the royal court palace, Ile-Ife, in Osun State. Under his reign, Oba Ogunwusi has transformed Ile-Ife, once a quiet town, into one of the vibrant commercial centres in the south-west, now known as one of the favourite tourism destinations in Africa.

Described as one of the most influential monarchs in Nigeria and custodian of the Yoruba culture, Nigeria’s second-biggest ethnic group, Oba Ogunwusi has used his privileged position to enhance Yoruba cultural heritage. As a matter of fact, Ooni Ogunwusi is one of the biggest promoters of the Yoruba culture. What readily comes to mind is the Queen Moremi Ajasoro beauty pageant. An initiative of Ooni Ogunwusi, the cultural beauty pageant was designed by Ooni to institutionalize the celebration of the iconic Yoruba woman recognized for offering herself for the liberation of humanity. Not only that, Oba Ogunwusi has been the major force behind the entrepreneurial transformation of Ile-Ife. Leading by example, Oba Ogunwusi has invested his personal resources to kickstart the revival of the local economy. Thanks to his bold economic moves, we now have made in-Ile-Ife products like adire fabrics. As you read, Ile-Ife is now home to the biggest Adire factory in Nigeria. Predictably, the adire texture hub has created job opportunities for hundreds of Ife youths. Ooni’s inspiring leadership has also encouraged hundreds of Ife sons and daughters to bring their investments back to the ancient city. Call it the ‘Ooni’s effect’ and you will be hitting the nail on the head. From tourist centres to hospitality firms, Ile-Ife is now rubbing shoulders with other commercial cities in Nigeria thanks to Ooni’s economic interventions and initiatives. As the recognized leader of the Yoruba people, Ooni Ogunwusi has also lived up to expectations in terms of upholding traditional values and unifying the Yoruba people across the world. Known for always stretching his hand of fellowship, Oba Ogunwusi has been at the forefront of efforts aimed at bringing peace to his domain and Nigeria in general. He’s an ambassador of peace. A lover of humanity.

In addition, Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Development and Ife Board of Trustees. They are saddled with the responsibility to reposition the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth. There’s also the Ife Trust Fund. Oba Ogunwusi is not running a one-man show. That’s one of the secrets behind his purposeful leadership. He’s a listening king who is ready to go above and beyond to bring development to his community. Oba Ogunwusi, who is the chairman of Tingo VC Plc, manufacturers of Tingo Cola and Tingo Energy Drink, has changed the face of Ile-Ife in just about a decade of being in the saddle as Ooni of Ife. Oba Ogunwusi has championed projects including reconstruction and beautification of ancient sites, city parks, greenery of the city centres, and so much more. No doubt, Oba Ogunwusi is walking his way into historic reckoning as one of the most influential African kings driving the economic liberation of his community.

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