By Kehinde Olusegun
A 50th birthday marks a pivotal milestone in one’s life, because it symbolizes half a century of experiences, of learning, and hopefully of growth. Fifty is a time when individuals often pause to reflect on their journey so far, cherish the memories and the wisdom they’ve garnered and gained over the years. This age represents a bridge between the youthful energy of earlier decades and the perspective that comes with maturity. Celebrating a 50th birthday is not just about marking the passage of time; it is an opportunity to honor one’s achievements (whether they be earth-shaking or modest), to embrace the present, and to look forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR, Olofin Adimula, the 51st Ooni of Ife, was born on October 17, 1974, a Prince of Giesi ruling house, one of the four royal families of the House of Oranmiyan. His paternal grandfather was Prince Joseph Olagbaju Adewole Ogunwusi, whose grandfather was Ọba Ọ̀ráyẹ̀gbà (also known as Ooni Orarigba or Orasigba) Ọjájá I, who was the 44th Ooni of Ife and ruled from 1878 to 1880. Through him, he is a direct descendant of Ooni Agbedegbede, who was a descendant of Ooni Giesi (the progenitor of the Giesi royal house), and thus a descendant of Ọọni Lajodogun.
His birth was said to have been predicted years before he was conceived; hence, the name Enitan was given by his mother, while his grandfather named him Adeyeye, which means “the crown befits the throne”. He is the fifth child in the family of seven.
Young Enitan Ogunwusi had all his early education in Ife and Ibadan. He received his Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), and obtained his Accountancy certification from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Before his selection as the 51st Ooni, he is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, an associate accounting technician, a certified member of the Institute of Directors and also a member of the Global Real Estate Institute. He holds a number of honorary doctorate degrees: one in public administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and another in law from Igbinedion University.
He is the Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi was selected among indigenes who were also heirs to the throne, on October 26, 2015. He took his oath of office on December 7, 2015. Ogunwusi is the spiritual leader of Ile – Ife people saddled with the responsibility of making supplications to God and the Òrìṣà on behalf of his people and the world at large during annual festivals such as Olojo.
Shortly after his coronation, Ooni Ogunwusi met with the Alaafin of Oyo and, by so doing, initiated a new era in the history of the Yoruba States. The Oba is an advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of women and young people. Ile-Ife has experienced notable transformations characterized by initiatives such as beautification, urban redesign, and architectural reconstruction, all directed towards augmenting its attractiveness as a prominent tourist destination under his reign. 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, most recently, through the Hopes Alive Initiative.
In October 2022, the Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
As he embarks on the next phase of his illustrious life-journey, ahead of his 10th year on the throne of his ancestors, it is our prayer that this cosmopolitan philosopher-king, this modern-day custodian of ancient culture and tradition, this human orisha of his people, will live and reign long in good health and high spirits – and that the Ife Kingdom, the Yoruba race, and the larger Nigerian family, would be better for his leadership and service.
Congratulations Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. Kaabiyesi o!
