Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is poised to commemorate his 10th coronation anniversary with a vibrant international cultural festival, highlighting a decade of leadership and cultural preservation.
The announcement was made by Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, representing the Ooni, during a press conference at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife on Wednesday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Themed _“10 Years of Aṣé: A Reign of Peace, Culture, and Unity,”_ the celebration, set for November 30 to December 7, 2025, aims to showcase Yoruba heritage and foster Pan-African unity.
“This festival is a global platform to honor Yoruba civilization and strengthen Africa’s cultural identity,” the Ooni declared, emphasizing its role in promoting socio-economic progress.
The event will feature a diverse lineup, including a Yoruba food festival, fashion shows blending traditional and contemporary designs, traditional sports, a royal gala night, and a drone-assisted fireworks display narrating Yoruba history.
Chief of Staff at Slowe Ganzi International, Mrs. Bonike Thomas-Ojo, highlighted a key attraction:
“We will premiere a cultural film, _The Journey to Ife: A Renewal of Culture_, alongside a Yoruba Drama, Arts, and Film Festival.”
Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, described the anniversary as a “global convergence of African spirit,” drawing royalty, political leaders, scholars, and tourists from nations like Brazil, Uganda, Ghana, and Cuba.
He added, “A mystical procession of all 401 Ifa deities will mark a spiritual highlight, making this a historic celebration.”
The Ooni underscored that his decade-long reign has focused on peace-building, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment through various initiatives, positioning Ile-Ife as a beacon of African heritage and global unity during the festival.
