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Ile-Ife is set to take center stage on the global cultural map as Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, prepares to celebrate his 10th coronation anniversary with an international cultural festival between November 30 and December 7, 2025.
Themed “Ten Years of Aşę: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity”, the eight-day celebration promises to be a historic convergence of royalty, world leaders, cultural icons, scholars, and tourists from across the globe.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary at his palace earlier today, Ooni Ogunwusi described the festival as more than a Nigerian celebration.
“This anniversary is not only a Nigerian celebration, but a global gathering of the African spirit. It is an invitation to the world to honour Yoruba heritage, strengthen pan-African unity, and celebrate peace and culture,” he said.
The festival, according to the palace, will highlight Yoruba civilization, affirm pan-African solidarity, and promote cultural diplomacy.
The anniversary festival will unfold over eight days, blending tradition, culture, entertainment, and intellectual discourse.
Day 1 (November 30): The celebrations open with a premier dinner, film screening, and high-level reception to set the tone for the festival.
Day 2 (December 1): Themed “Welcome to Ife! Tradition Awakened”, the day will feature Nollywood classics, Yoruba films, and documentaries.
A spectacular motorbike parade tagged Operation Rolling Thunder will follow, alongside the launch of a commemorative book chronicling the Ooni’s 10-year reign.
The day will close with a state dinner and Yoruba Heritage Concert.
Day 3 (December 2): Dedicated to Royal Heritage, this day will host a Compendium of Yoruba Lineage Exhibition, traditional heritage tours, and a bonfire barbecue night celebrating ancient traditions.
December 3–5: These days will feature carnival parades, traditional Yoruba sports and games, a bustling all-day marketplace, a Yoruba Food Festival, and the Yoruba Economic Summit. It would be an intellectual forum for economic growth and cultural investment.
December 6: A day of recognition, themed Vision for the Future, will feature a royal reception, send-off dinner, award ceremony, and Yoruba Global Honors.
Traditional rites and blessings at the palace will precede a grand homecoming concert, capped by the symbolic reception of the Seven Sons of Oduduwa.
Day 8 (December 7): The festival will close with a grand royal homage as dignitaries, monarchs, and cultural leaders from across the world pay their respects to the Ooni and the Yoruba kingdom.
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