World leaders, distinguished monarchs, scholars, and cultural icons are set to converge on the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of his coronation with a landmark international cultural festival.
Themed “Ten Years of Àse: A Reign of Peace, Culture, and Unity,” the eight-day celebration will run from November 30 to December 7, 2025, featuring a wide range of events designed to promote Yoruba heritage, Pan-African solidarity, and socio-economic development.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, representatives of the Ooni highlighted the historic and global significance of the upcoming festival.
In her remarks, Her Majesty Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni and founder of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, underscored the Ooni’s efforts in fostering peace, unity, and development both at home and across the African diaspora.
She noted that His Majesty’s reign has been particularly impactful in empowering women and youth through cultural entrepreneurship, adding that, “The Ten Years of Àse celebration is not just about looking back at a decade of reign, but about highlighting how the Ooni has advanced the Oodua race globally while creating opportunities for the next generation.”
In his address, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni’s spokesman, emphasised the broader Pan-African relevance of the festival, stressing that while the Ooni is revered as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba, his influence extends across the wider Oodua race, which encompasses several tribes and ethnicities across West Africa and the global diaspora.
“This celebration speaks to the African spirit in its entirety. It is about Oodua as a civilisation, stretching beyond language and geography, binding us together as a global people,” he said.
Mrs. Bonike Thomas-Ojo, Chief of Staff at Slowe Ganzi International, in her presentation, outlined the diverse line-up of activities, ranging from cultural showcases to summits designed to blend heritage with innovation.
The week will also feature a fireworks and drone display narrating Yoruba history, a royal gala night, and a mystical procession of 401 Ifa deities. She explained that each event was carefully curated to ensure both local participation and global attraction.
Contributing also, Mr. Adebisi Awope, a member of the anniversary committee, highlighted the Ooni’s remarkable efforts in cultural preservation and tourism promotion, pointing to initiatives that have positioned Ile-Ife as a global destination for heritage tourism.
“His Majesty has consistently championed Yoruba culture as a source of pride and a tool for development. This anniversary celebration will further showcase Ile-Ife as not only the cradle of Yoruba civilisation but also a beacon of cultural tourism for the world,” Awope said.
Throughout his decade on the throne, the Ooni has championed initiatives that bridge Africa and its diaspora—ranging from business ventures like the Inagbe Cocowood Factory and OjajaMore Shopping Malls that provide youth employment, to the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF), which inspires and mentors emerging African leaders.
As the countdown begins, Ile-Ife is preparing to welcome dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe. The week-long festival is expected to transform the cradle of Yoruba civilisation into the epicentre of African heritage and global unity, cementing the Ooni’s legacy as a monarch dedicated to peace, culture, and empowerment.
