The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Thursday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, marked his 51st birthday with heartfelt prayers for Nigeria and renewed calls for peace, unity, and progress across the nation.
The celebration, which held at the Ile Oodua Palace in Osun State, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country who joined the revered monarch to thank God for another year of life and impactful leadership.
In his address, Oba Ogunwusi expressed profound gratitude to Olodumare for grace, strength, and wisdom to continue serving his people and promoting cultural heritage. He described leadership, especially within the traditional institution, as a divine assignment that demands humility, service, and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Nigeria is blessed with diverse cultures, beliefs, and talents. Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division. Let us all commit to unity and peace, for that is the only way we can achieve lasting prosperity,” the Ooni said.
He prayed for divine wisdom for Nigeria’s leaders and urged traditional rulers to continue using their influence to foster harmony, especially at the grassroots. The monarch also reaffirmed his dedication to empowering the youth, promoting education, and encouraging women’s inclusion in leadership, describing them as vital forces for the nation’s growth.
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Born on October 17, 1974, Oba Ogunwusi ascended the throne as the 51st Ooni of Ife in 2015. Since then, he has gained national and international recognition for his efforts in cultural diplomacy, peacebuilding, and advocacy for youth development. As co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, he has consistently called for greater inclusion of traditional institutions in governance.
Tributes poured in from across the country to celebrate the monarch’s milestone.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, hailed the Ooni as “a beacon of peace, culture, and progress,” while the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Dr. Hammed Makama, commended his leadership in uniting the Yoruba race and fostering dialogue among Nigeria’s ethnic groups.
Southwest NNPP chieftain, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, also described the Ooni as a “bridge-builder and visionary leader whose reign continues to strengthen the bond among Nigerians.”
The palace celebration was marked by traditional prayers, cultural performances, and moments of reflection on the monarch’s journey since ascending the throne nearly a decade ago.
As the Ooni entered his 51st year, his message was clear: Nigeria’s greatness lies in its unity, and the task of building that unity rests on every citizen.
