Kings are born, not made. While anyone can aspire to be a president, a king’s path is predestined. For Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, the 51st and current Ooni of Ife, becoming a king was a destiny fulfilled, not a position achieved through aspiration.
As the traditional ruler of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife, he ascended to the throne in 2015, following the passing of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the 50th Ooni of Ife. “It was foretold even before I was born, so my upbringing was closely guarded,” Oba Ogunwusi shared in an interview with BD Weekender. “In youth, we often make mistakes and face challenges, but in every negative situation, God has turned it into positivity for me.
” Project 50-50 Oba Adeyeye, approaching his 50th birthday in October 2024, aims to celebrate it with 50 iconic projects across various sectors. From health and education to fashion and entertainment, these initiatives, including an advanced health facility, are designed to profoundly impact society. “Turning 50 is more than just a milestone; it’s about celebrating the impactful work we’ve done,” Oba Adeyeye remarked.
“Few knew of my efforts before I became Ooni of Ife, but in the nine years since, God has enabled me to establish numerous significant projects worldwide. I want to showcase these to prove that you can be on a throne and still make a substantial impact.” Highlighting the breadth of his initiatives, he added, “My projects have touched various strata, crossing different r.
