The ancient city of Ile-Ife is set to host world leaders from across the globe. Traditional rulers from all over Africa are about to arrive Nigeria as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, celebrates the 10th anniversary of ascending the throne.
The anniversary event, scheduled to hold over eight days, is themed: “Ten Years of Ase: A Reign Of Peace, Culture and Unity,” and according to the organising committee, will feature a combination of cultural displays, religious rites, academic conferences, and socio-economic summits, designed to highlight Oba Adeyeye’s decade of positive leadership.
Speaking at a press conference heralding the anniversary, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, said that the event will not only celebrate the Ooni’s enthronement, but also emphasise his contributions to peace-building, youth empowerment, and national development.
“The Ooni of Ife, universally recognized as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba race and one of Africa’s most revered monarchs, has spent the past decade redefining traditional leadership for a modern era.
His reign has become a beacon of peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic advancement, restoring ile-Ife as the undisputed cradle of Yoruba civilization and the spiritual heart of Africa.
Since ascending the throne in 2015, Arole Oduduwa has consistently championed initiatives that have touched lives both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. As a custodian of Yoruba culture, he has played a pivotal role in cultural diplomacy and Pan-African unity, serving as a bridge between Africa and her diaspora.
Through his outreach, communities in the Americas and the Caribbean who trace their lineage to Yoruba heritage have strengthened their bonds with the motherland.
The festival will attract world leaders, royalty, cultural icons, scholars, and tourists, transforming Ile-Ife into the epicentre of African heritage and global unity for one historic week,” he said.
Also speaking, a representative of Slowe Ganzi International, Bonike Thomas-Ojo, concluded by saying that the anniversary will end with a grand royal banquet, where visiting dignitaries from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas will honour the Ooni of Ife.
