Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also known as Oba Ọjájá II, was born on the 17th of February, 1974.
He currently serves as the 51st Ooni of Ife, holding the esteemed position of traditional ruler and monarch of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife. He assumed the throne in 2015, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the 50th Ooni of Ife.
Early life and Education
Prince Adeyeye Enitan of the Giesi lineage, born into one of the four royal families of the House of Oranmiyan, assumed the title of Oba Ọjájá II. His paternal lineage traces back to Prince Joseph Olagbaju Adewole Ogunwusi, whose grandfather, Oba Ọ̀ráyẹ̀gbà (also known as Ooni Orarigba or Orasigba) Ọjájá I, reigned as the 44th Ooni of Ife from 1878 to 1880. He is a direct descendant of Ooni Agbedegbede, who in turn descended from Ooni Giesi, the progenitor of the Giesi royal house, linking him to Ọọni Lajodogun. Lajodogun, a son of Ọọni Lajamisan (or Lajemisin), traced his lineage to the legendary founder of the Oyo Empire and Benin Empire, Oranmiyan, who was the son or grandson of the first Ooni of Ife, Oduduwa. Thus, Oba Ọjájá II is a descendant of Odùdùwà, one of the early rulers of Ilé Ifẹ̀. His birth, reportedly foretold years before conception, led to the name Enitan bestowed by his mother, while his grandfather named him Adeyeye, signifying ‘the crown befits the throne’. He occupies the fifth position among his seven siblings.
His educational journey began at Subuola Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan, followed by Ibadan District Council in Akobo, Ibadan, for his elementary education. He continued his schooling at Loyola College, Ibadan, and later attended St. Peters Secondary School in Ile-Ife, where he obtained his secondary school certificate (SSCE). His academic pursuits culminated in graduation as an accountant from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Career
Adeyeye Ogunwusi is a distinguished member of various professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Institute of Directors. He is also affiliated with the Global Real Estate Institute and holds honorary doctorate degrees in public administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and in law from Igbinedion University.
Serving as the Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he assumed the role of Ooni of Ife on December 7, 2015, following his selection from the Giesi ruling house of Ile-Ife. Renowned as a skilled entrepreneur and spiritual leader of the Yoruba people, he orchestrates supplications to God and the Òrìṣà during annual festivals such as Olojo. His reign has been marked by efforts to foster unity, including significant meetings with the Alaafin of Oyo, and initiatives aimed at empowering women and young people.
Under his leadership, Ile-Ife has undergone remarkable transformations, focusing on beautification, urban redesign, and architectural reconstruction to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. Committed to philanthropy, Ogunwusi supports various causes through initiatives like the House of Oduduwa Foundation and the Hopes Alive Initiative, advocating for the well-being of the less privileged.
Personal life
Ogunwusi’s personal life has garnered public attention due to his various relationships. His first child, Adeola Aanuolouwapo Ogunwusi, was born in May 1994 to Omolara Olatubosun in Ibadan when they were teenagers. Although they were never married, they co-parent their child. In 2008, Ogunwusi married Adebukola Bombata, but they separated in 2016.
In March 2016, he wed Zaynab Otiti Obanor of the Benin Kingdom and Edo State, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2017. Later, in October 2018, he married Prophetess Morenike Naomi Oluwaseyi. Although Morenike Naomi announced their separation on Instagram in December 2021, the palace contradicted the statement shortly after.
Between September and October 2022, Ogunwusi married six wives, including Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Opeoluwa Akinmuda, Tobi Phillips, Ashley Afolashade Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi, and Asake Temitope Morenike Adesegun.
Net Worth
Undisclosed