Yoruba Traditional Leaders: List of Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife is a paramount traditional ruler among the Yoruba people, whom they regard as the protector and custodian of their cultural heritage and history.

The title is historical and belongs to a family that has played a prominent role in the history of the Yoruba for many years.

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List of Ooni of Ife

Oduduwa: the first Ooni of Ile-Ife

Oduduwa was the first Ooni of Ile-Ife and one of the historical and mythical figures of the Yoruba race. Oduduwa is a known father of the Yoruba people and is worshiped as the first king.

According to history, he descended from the heavens to build the land of Ile-Ife. This place is also acknowledged to be the heart of the Yoruba in terms of culture and religion.

Within the borders of Ile-Ife, he civilized its population and its associated ethnos politics and culture. His presence marked the beginning of an entirely new period for the Yoruba.

For this reason, Oduduwa is associated with several myths that underscore his greatness. He created the world, which is one of the beliefs and is among the 401 gods, the Orishas in Yoruba religion.

There are also historical narratives that support the idea that Ooni came from Oke Oraa, a village east of Ife. Although the time frame of his leadership is unspecified, in Yoruba cosmology, it is believed that Oduduwa is as ancient as time itself.

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Current Ooni of Ife: Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi (2015 – Present)

Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi became the Ooni of Ife on 26th October 2015, succeeding Ooni Okunade Sijuwade. Born on the 17th day of October, 1974, Ogunwusi has been making phenomenal contributions since the day he was crowned.

Following his vision for a peaceful, united and culturally awakened Yoruba race and even beyond. Ogunwusi has been at the forefront of several socio-economic programmes for the youths geared towards achieving sustainable development.

In addition, Ogunwusi has used the influence of the office he holds to speak and act on relevant societal concerns including education and health care as well as the need to change attitudes towards some of the cultural practices in the society but still remain respectful towards the culture.

His style of leadership proves that he is a modern leader who embraces progressive changes instead of remaining static and this is also the reason why he is widely known as one of the progressive monarchs of the 21st Century.