The Ooni of Ife is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, the city Yoruba tradition regards as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The title carries great spiritual and cultural weight across Yorubaland and the diaspora. This guide explains what the Ooni does, how the title began and who holds it today.
Who Is the Current Ooni of Ife?
The present Ooni is Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the 51st Ooni of Ife. He was chosen by the Ife kingmakers in October 2015, succeeded the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade (Olubuse II), and ascended the throne in 2015. His tenth coronation anniversary was celebrated in Ile-Ife in December 2025. In official statements he is styled Arole Oodua and the natural head of the Oduduwa race. See the Ife entry on Wikipedia for the list of rulers.
What Does the Ooni Do?
- Spiritual leadership: the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba and the custodian of Ife’s sacred traditions.
- Cultural role: he presides at festivals such as Olojo.
- Public voice: the Ooni often speaks on peace, unity and community welfare, though he does not hold executive political power.
History of the Title
Yoruba tradition links the Ooni to Oduduwa, the ancestor of Yoruba kings. Ile-Ife is also said to be the city of 401 divinities, and its terracotta and bronze heads show royal portraits made centuries ago. Read the full story in Ile-Ife: cradle of the Yoruba and the origin of the Yoruba.
The Ooni Among Other Yoruba Kings
The Ooni is one of several senior Obas, alongside the Alaafin of Oyo, the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Olubadan of Ibadan. Compare their roles in Yoruba kings and Obas, and read about the Oyo Empire.
Visit Ife
See Ife’s famed art at the Ife National Museum, and learn how the city fits among the Yoruba kingdoms.
Ooni of Ife FAQs
Who is the current Ooni of Ife?
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who has reigned since 2015.
Which number is the current Ooni?
He is the 51st Ooni of Ife.
Is the Ooni the head of all Yoruba people?
He is widely regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba, while each Oba rules his own kingdom.
