Complete List Of All Oonis Of Ife
The Ooni of Ife is the king of the ancient Yoruba city of Ile-Ife in Nigeria. He is considered the spiritual head of the Yoruba people worldwide. The Ooni traces his lineage back to Oduduwa, the legendary founder of the Yoruba people.
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List Of All Ooni Of Ife
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi | 2015-present |
| Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II | 1980–2015 |
| Adesoji Aderemi | 1930–1980 |
| Ademiluyi Ajagun | 1910–1930 |
| Adekola | 1910 |
| Adelekan Olubuse I | 1894–1910 |
| Derin Ologbenla | 1880–1894 |
| Orarigba | 1878–1880 |
| Degbinsokun | 1849–1878 |
| Adegunle Adewela | 1839–1849 |
| Wunmonije | 1835–1839 |
| Gbegbaaje | 1823–1835 |
| Gbanlare | 1800–1823 |
| Akinmoyero | 1770–1800 |
| Ojigidiri | Unknown |
| Adagba | Unknown |
| Osinlade | Unknown |
| Aribiwoso | Unknown |
| Lugbade | Unknown |
| Okiti | Unknown |
| Olojo | Unknown |
| Adejinle | Unknown |
| Ajila Oorun | Unknown |
| Omogbogbo | Unknown |
| Ademilu | Unknown |
| Larunnka | Unknown |
| Lagunja | Unknown |
| Ojelokunbirin | Unknown |
| Agbedegbede | Unknown |
| Lumobi | Unknown |
| Luwoo | Unknown |
| Giesi | Unknown |
| Ogboruu | Unknown |
| Osinkola | Unknown |
| Adegbalu | Unknown |
| Okanlajosin | Unknown |
| Gboonijio | Unknown |
| Ajimuda | Unknown |
| Ekun | Unknown |
| Aworokolokin | Unknown |
| Odidimode Rogbeesin | Unknown |
| Lafogido | Unknown |
| Lajodoogun | Unknown |
| Lajamisan | Unknown |
| Ooni Ayetise | Unknown |
| Oranmiyan | Unknown |
| Obalufon Alayemore (Obalufon II) | Unknown |
| Obalufon Ogbogbodirin | Unknown |
| Ogun | Unknown |
| Osangangan Obamakin | Unknown |
| Oduduwa | Unknown |
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Who Was The First Ooni Of Ile-Ife?
The first Ooni of Ile-Ife was Oduduwa, a legendary figure in the history and mythology of the Yoruba people. Oduduwa is considered the ancestor of the Yoruba and is respected as a god-king.
According to tradition, he came down from the heavens to establish the city of Ile-Ife. This city is seen as the spiritual and cultural center of the Yoruba people. When Oduduwa arrived in Ile-Ife, he brought civilization, governance, and culture to the region.
His arrival became the start of a new era for the Yoruba people. Oduduwa is also linked to different myths that show his great importance. One such belief is that he created the earth, and he is also one of the 401 spirits, or Orisha, in the Yoruba religion.
Oduduwa’s descendants went on to establish many kingdoms across Yorubaland, spreading his teachings and influence. The Ooni of Ile-Ife is believed to be a direct descendant of Oduduwa.
Aside from being a king, Oduduwa is a symbol of unity among the Yoruba people. His legacy is celebrated through festivals and rituals in Ile-Ife, where he is honored as a deity. The city itself is famous for its rich history and artistic heritage, including ancient sculptures that show its importance.
Today, Ile-Ife remains an important cultural center for the Yoruba people. The Ooni serves as the guardian of their traditions, keeping alive the legacy started by Oduduwa.
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Who Is The Longest-Serving Ooni Of Ife?
The longest-serving Ooni of Ife is Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, who is said to have ruled for an incredible 450 years. He was the fourth Ooni of Ife, coming after Ooni Ogun and followed by his son, Obalufon Alayemore.
Obalufon is an important figure in Yoruba history, not just because of how long he reigned but also because he became a deity after his death. During his time, there were no calendars, so it’s hard to measure exactly how long he ruled.
His name, “Ogbogbodirin,” actually means “one who lived for a very long time,” which shows just how extraordinary his life and rule were. According to tradition, when he got old, he was turned into a metal figurine.
Obalufon’s legacy is still important to the Ooni’s office today. Every Ooni who has taken the throne since his time visits his shrine to pray for long life and wisdom.
This shows how spiritually significant Obalufon is within Yoruba culture. He is seen as a source of guidance and strength for those who come after him.
Who Is The First Female Ooni Of Ife?
Queen Luwoo Gbagida is the first and only female Ooni of Ife, a title she held around 1100 CE. She was the 21st Ooni in the line of rulers from Ile Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.
Queen Luwoo was a descendant of Ooni Otaataa and was married to Chief Ọbalọran of Ilode. Together, they had a son named Adekola Telu, who went on to become the founder of the town of Iwo.
Queen Luwoo’s reign was notable in Yoruba history because it broke the tradition of only men being Ooni. She was known for her beauty, strong personality, and love for keeping her surroundings beautiful.
She encouraged the people of Ife to maintain a clean and beautiful environment and even commissioned decorative pavements made from pottery shards, which became part of her legacy.
However, Queen Luwoo’s leadership was controversial. Many men viewed her as too strict, and some even feared her because of her strong nature.
She was sometimes seen as “uncontrollable” and “high-handed,” especially by male subjects. After her reign, the council of Obas decided that no other woman would be allowed to become the Ooni again.
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Who Is The Current Ooni Of Ife?
The current Ooni of Ife is Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. He became the 51st Ooni of Ife in December 2015. As the Ooni, he is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, which is considered the birthplace of the Yoruba people in Nigeria.
In Yoruba culture, the Ooni holds great importance because he is seen as a descendant of Oduduwa. Oba Adeyeye served in trading and marketing commodities, helping big companies like Dangote Group, Olam, and Stallion Group make deals from 1996 to 1999.
He also helped set up a lead and aluminum recycling plant in Nigeria for the National Steel Company of India. In real estate, Ooni Adeyeye has been part of many large projects in Lagos, including the Jacob Mews Estate in Yaba and Lakeview Park Estates in Lekki.
He is also a director on the boards of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank and Fina Trust Microfinance Bank. The Ooni of Ife gained international recognition in 1986 when the Yoruba Orisha Congress was formed. Within Nigeria, he is seen as the Chief Priest and protector of Ile-Ife.
Known for his humility and dedication to helping people, Ooni Adeyeye has supported many underprivileged children and youths. He also provides jobs to over 300 local youths through his furniture company, which uses 100% Nigerian materials.
