The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, will mark his 10th Ooni coronation anniversary with an international cultural festival that promises to blend tradition with global appeal. Represented by Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, the monarch announced that the celebration will run from November 30 to December 7 under the theme: “10 Years of Aṣé: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity.”
The festival will highlight the Ooni’s decade-long reign, which has been rooted in peace-building, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. Events will include Yoruba food festivals, fashion shows, sports, royal galas, and a spectacular fireworks and drone display narrating the Yoruba story.
A key feature of the Ooni coronation anniversary will be the premiere of a cultural film titled “The Journey to Ife”, alongside a Yoruba Drama, Arts and Film Festival. According to UNESCO, such cultural festivals strengthen heritage preservation and Pan-African solidarity.
The Ooni’s palace confirmed that dignitaries, global cultural icons, and tourists from countries like Brazil, Uganda, Ghana, and Cuba will attend. A mystical procession of all 401 Ifa deities will provide the spiritual climax, further establishing Ile-Ife as a cultural epicenter.
As reported in The Guardian Nigeria, the Ooni’s leadership over the past decade has bridged culture with socio-economic advancement, ensuring Yoruba civilisation remains at the forefront of Africa’s identity.
For readers interested in related stories, explore PMW’s coverage of governance and inclusion in Nigeria and Abuja’s cultural heritage.
This anniversary promises to be a defining moment, celebrating the Ooni’s legacy while strengthening Yoruba identity and Africa’s cultural presence on the global stage.
