Ooni of Ife Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Family, Net Worth

Who is Ooni Of Ife?

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is the 51st Ooni of Ife and currently serves as the traditional ruler of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife.

Profiling Ooni of Ife

Biography

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CFR, born on October 17, 1974, is a distinguished and highly revered traditional ruler, currently serving as the Ooni of Ife, a position he has held since 2015. As the 51st Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi plays a critical role in preserving and advancing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife.

His ascension to the throne marked the beginning of a new era in the ancient Yoruba city, succeeding the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who was the 50th Ooni of Ife. Oba Ogunwusi’s tenure has been characterized by a forward-thinking approach to leadership, marked by his emphasis on inclusivity, progress, and the promotion of unity and peace among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities.

Under his leadership, the Ooni of Ife has worked tirelessly to bridge cultural gaps, foster economic development, and enhance the social cohesion of the Yoruba people, while also reaching out to other ethnic groups in Nigeria. His reign has been noted for its efforts to harmonize traditional values with modern advancements, thereby ensuring that the Yoruba heritage remains vibrant and relevant in the contemporary world.

Early Life

Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, a prominent Yoruba traditional monarch, was born on October 17, 1974, in Ile Ife, a historic city in Osun State, Nigeria. He is the esteemed son of Prince John Oluropo Ogunwusi and Princess Wuraola Ogunwusi, both of whom belong to a distinguished lineage within the Yoruba royal tradition.

Growing up in a noble family, Ooni Ogunwusi was raised alongside his six siblings: Adetunji Ogunwusi, Adebimpe Daudu, Folusho Adepemi, Abimbola Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Folashade Fadairo, and Adesola Olojede. The family’s prominent background played a significant role in shaping his understanding of Yoruba culture and traditions.

His ancestral roots are deeply embedded in the Giesi ruling house, one of the four royal families that constitute the House of Oranmiyan, underscoring his strong connection to the Yoruba monarchy.

Education

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi received his early education at Subuola Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan. He then attended Loyola College and St. Peters Secondary School, also in Ibadan, for his secondary education.

For his higher education, he enrolled at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting.

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Age

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi was born on October 17, 1974. As of 2024, he is 49 years old.

State Of Origin

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi is from Ile Ife, located in Osun State, Nigeria. Ile Ife is a historic city known as the traditional and spiritual home of the Yoruba people.

Career

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s career is marked by his distinguished role as the Ooni of Ife, one of the most revered traditional monarchies in Nigeria. His tenure as the 51st Ooni of Ife has been characterized by a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people while embracing modernity and progress.

Traditional Leadership

Ascending the throne in 2015, Oba Ogunwusi succeeded the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the 50th Ooni of Ife. As the reigning monarch, his primary responsibilities include upholding the customs and traditions of the Yoruba kingdom, leading cultural and religious ceremonies, and acting as a mediator in local and national issues. His leadership style is noted for its inclusiveness, aiming to foster unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and to support initiatives that promote cultural heritage.

Cultural and Economic Initiatives

Under his reign, Oba Ogunwusi has been instrumental in various cultural and economic initiatives. He has championed projects that seek to revitalize traditional practices and crafts, as well as support local artisans and businesses. His efforts to promote tourism in Ife have also been notable, aiming to attract visitors to the historical and cultural sites of the Yoruba kingdom.

Community Engagement

Oba Ogunwusi’s tenure has been marked by active engagement with both local and international communities. He has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities, addressing social issues and supporting educational and health initiatives. His role extends beyond traditional leadership, reflecting his dedication to social responsibility and community development.

Innovative Leadership

A key aspect of Oba Ogunwusi’s leadership is his innovative approach to traditional monarchy. He has embraced modern technology and media to connect with a broader audience, sharing the rich history and culture of Ife with the world. His efforts in modernizing the monarchy while respecting traditional values have earned him respect and recognition both locally and internationally.

In summary, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s career as the Ooni of Ife is a blend of traditional leadership, cultural promotion, and modern innovation. His contributions to the Yoruba kingdom and beyond reflect his commitment to preserving heritage while advancing progress.

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Personal Life

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s personal life has been a subject of considerable public interest and scrutiny, especially regarding his romantic relationships and marital history. His journey through relationships has been both eventful and widely covered in the media.

Early Relationship and Parenthood

From a young age, Ooni Ogunwusi’s romantic life attracted attention. During his teenage years in Ibadan, he became a father to his first daughter, Adeola Anuoluwapo Ogunwusi, with Omolara Olatubosun. Despite the early nature of their relationship and eventual separation, both parents have maintained a cooperative approach to co-parenting their child, ensuring that Adeola has the support and love of both her parents.

Marital History

Ooni Ogunwusi’s subsequent marriages have been marked by both public scrutiny and personal challenges. His marital history includes divorces and periods of intense media focus, reflecting the complexities and pressures of his role as a traditional ruler.

Despite various rumors and speculations about his relationships, the palace has consistently worked to present a unified front regarding his current marital situation. His third wife, Prophetess Silekunola Moronke Naomi, has been a notable part of his life, and there have been ongoing efforts to maintain stability and harmony within the royal family.

Recent Marriages

In a surprising development in late 2022, Ooni Ogunwusi made headlines by marrying six new wives within a short span of time, between September and October. The names of his new spouses—Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Opeoluwa Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips-Ogunwusi, Ashley Afolasade Adeyeye-Ogunwusi, Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and Temitope Morenike Adesegun—generated significant media buzz and public debate. These marriages, occurring in quick succession, have sparked discussions about the implications for his personal life and his role as a traditional leader.

Recent Joys

In 2024, Oba Ogunwusi celebrated a joyful milestone with the birth of twins, which he welcomed with his third wife, Olori Tobi Phillips-Ogunwusi. This new addition to his family has been a source of happiness and has further shaped the narrative of his personal life, adding a new chapter to his ongoing journey as both a monarch and a father.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $70 million. His wealth is derived from various sources, including his royal position, investments in real estate, and successful business ventures.

In addition to his traditional duties, the Ooni has engaged in numerous entrepreneurial activities, contributing significantly to his financial status. His investments span several industries, including hospitality, agriculture, and real estate, which have helped him accumulate substantial wealth over the years.

The Ooni’s net worth also reflects his role as a prominent figure in Nigerian society, where he is highly regarded for his leadership and contributions to cultural preservation and community development. His financial success is intertwined with his royal responsibilities and his efforts to promote economic growth and development in his region.

Social Media

You can follow him through the social media handles below:

• Instagram handle: @ooniadimulaife
• Facebook handle: @ooniadimulaife
• Twitter handle: @OoniAdimulaife