By Kehinde Bankole Alex
Talking about one of the finest Monarch of the 21st century reality in Nigeria who has successfully revolutionized the face of the Nigerian Traditional Institution by turning it to one which is all embracing, all encompassing and accessible and yet holding on to the fragrance and reverence attached to it since time immemorial ; Alayeluwa Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, popularly known as Ooni of Ife is one of the finest living Monarch to have ever graced the highly exalted throne which adored by many and greatly revered by all.
Ile-Ife is the cradle kingdom and patron of all important kingdoms, as the Yorubas believed that their existence are traced to this ancient Kingdom.
Oba is a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who has immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria. He is a great traditional leader, urbane and respected by his subjects as his influence transcends the kingdom of Ife- and ,indeed, Osun State.
Born 46 years ago into the family of John Oluropo Ogunwusi from the famous Ojaja Lineage of the Giesi ruling house of the Agbedegbede Quarters in Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi’s mother, Margaret Wuraola Sidikatu Abegbe Ogunwusi, was born into the family of Soji-Opa, a prominent Cocoa merchant in Ile-Ife.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II of Ife is the 5th child of his parents. His siblings are Abimbola, Adetunji, Folasade, Adesola and Adebimpe. HeHe is the 51ˢᵗ and current traditional ruler, or Ooni, of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife.
His reign as the Ooni of Ife has seen to the re-writing of the history of the Yoruba race as to a united and progressive entity. Upon his emergence, Ooni Ogunwusi met with the Alaafin of Oyo and by so doing initiated a new era in the history of the Yoruba States.
He effectively broke the jinx of institutionalized discord between the thrones that had plagued Ile-Ife and Oyo for decades. The Oba is an advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of women and young people.
He has transformed Ile-Ife into a tourist zone, with changes including the beautification, redesign and re-construction of the ancient city. Oba Ogunwusi is also a renowned philanthropist who is committed to humanity and an advocate for the less privileged. He has granted support over the years through the House of Oduduwa Foundation and, recently, through Hopes Alive Initiative.
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