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IN HONOUR OF THE GENEALOGY AND HERITAGE OF OONI OF IFE ,OBA ENITAN ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI, OJAJA II
(Part Six)
By Femi Alufa
“People will not look forward to posterity,who never look backward to their ancestors”.
– Edmund Burke (1729–1797) an Irish statesman, political theorist, and philosopher .
The throne of the Ooni of Ife stands not merely as a seat of authority, but as a timeless symbol of Yoruba civilization, spirituality, and unity. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, embodies this heritage with dignity, bridging the illustrious past with the unfolding future of the Yoruba people. His genealogy, deeply rooted in the sacred lineage of Oduduwa, the revered progenitor of the Yoruba race, reminds us that the Ooni is not only a monarch but a custodian of history, tradition, and identity.
The Ooni’s ancestry is woven through some of the most defining dynasties in Yoruba history. He is a direct scion of the 44th Ooni of Ife, Orayegba (Orayigba) Ojaja I, alias “Ayikiti ninu Aran” (reigned 1878 -1880) whose legacy of wisdom and stewardship continues to inspire the present custodian of the throne.He reigned briefly during the beginning of the Kiriji (Ekiti Parapo) war of the late 19th century.From Ooni Ojaja I to ancestor Ooni Agbedegbe, to Ooni Giesi (through Moropo to Ooni Ogboru), to Ooni Lajodogun, the illustrious bloodline has nurtured generations of leaders whose lives were anchored in sacrifice, courage, and devotion to the Yoruba nation. These royal ancestors, through their stewardship of Ile-Ife – the cradle of the Yoruba race – preserved the sacred traditions that define Yoruba identity today.
The heritage of Ooni Ogunwusi also connects him through Ooni Lajodogun from Igbodo in Okerewe Ward, Ile- Ife to Ooni Lajamisan (Lajemisin), a descent of Oranmiyan from Ilare quarters in Ile-Ife,and modern Ife history began with his reign and he was the progenitor of the Giesi ruling house, from which he descends.
This genealogical link underscores his legitimacy and his role as the chosen custodian of Ile-Ife’s spiritual and cultural legacy. In tracing this genealogy further back, we encounter Oranmiyan Odede, the warrior prince of Ile-Ife, who extended Yoruba influence across lands and kingdoms of Benin and Oyo Empire, and laying the foundations for expansive four royal ruling houses of Ile-Ife today.( Lafogido,Ogboru,Giesi and Oshinkola). Oranmiyan, in turn, was a scion of the legendary Olofin Oduduwa, whose name resonates as the legendary father of the Yoruba people and the fountainhead of their civilization.
Thus, the Ooni of Ife today stands as a living bridge to Olofin Oduduwa himself. His reign is not only a continuation of a dynastic sequence but also a sacred trust to uphold the unity, spirituality, and cultural vibrancy of the Yoruba people. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has embraced this responsibility with vision and passion. His reign has been marked by renewed emphasis on cultural renaissance, youth empowerment, economic innovation, and the fostering of unity among Yorubas at home and in the diaspora.
The genealogy of the Ooni is more than a record of succession; it is a testimony of resilience and continuity. Each name in his ancestral chain from his immediate patriarchs- Prince John Oluropo Ogunwusi, Prince Joseph Olagbaju Adewole Ogunwusi (Jnr), Prince Adegosan Adewole Ogunwusi to his paternal great – great grandfather, 44th Ooni Orayegba Ojaja I(1878-1880),Ooni Agbedegbe, Ooni Giesi,Ooni Lajodogun,Ooni Lajamisan, Oranmiyan, and Olofin Oduduwa -reflects a chapter in the epic of Yoruba civilization. To honour this genealogy is to honour the Yoruba spirit itself: a spirit of pride, identity, and collective destiny.
*Summary Genealogical Line (Simplified)*
Olofin Oduduwa (Legendary founder of Yoruba royal dynasty)
↓
Oranmiyan (scion of Olofin Oduduwa)
↓
Lajamisan (scion of Oranmiyan)
↓
Lajodogun (descent of Lajamisan from Igbodo in Okerewe, Ile- Ife)
↓
Ogboru (grandfather of Giesi)
↓
Giesi (founder of Giesi royal ruling house)
↓
Agbedegbede (descent of Giesi)
↓
Ajila Oorun (descent of Agbedegbede in Moore, Ile-Ife)
↓
Orarigba Ojaja “Ayikiti ninu Aran” (Ooni Ojaja I; 44th Ooni)
↓
Prince Adegosan Adewole Ogunwusi
↓
Prince Joseph Olagbaju Adewole Ogunwusi (Jnr.)
↓
Prince John Oluropo Ogunwusi
↓
Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) (The 51st reigning Ooni since 2015 till date)
Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s mother, Princess Margaret Wuraola Sidikatu Abegbe Ogunwusi, links him to another illustrious line via the Soji-Opa family.
*A visual depiction of Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) atop the lineage that extends back to the legendary Odùduwà.*
*Chain of Oonis from Odùduwà to Ọjájá II (Ooni Ogunwusi)*
Here’s a comprehensive list of the 51 Oonis of Ife in History, starting with Olofin Odùduwà as the first, and culminating with the current monarch, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), who reigns as the 51st Ooni :
1.Olofin Odùduwà
2. Osangangan Obamakin (Ogunbodirin)
3. Ogun
4. Obalufon Ogbogbodirin
5. Obalufon Alayemore
6. Oranmiyan
7. Ayetise
8. Lajamisan
9. Lajodogun
10. Lafogido
11. Odidimode Rogbeesin
12. Aworokolokin
13. Ekun
14. Ajimuda
15. Gboonijio
16. Okanlajosin
17. Adegbalu
18. Osinkola
19. Ogboru
20. Giesi
21. Luwoo Gbagida (the only female Ooni)
22. Lumobi
23. Agbedegbede
24. Ojelokunbirin
25. Lagunja
26. Larunnka
27. Ademilu
28. Omogbogbo
29. Ajila-Oorun
30. Adejinle
31. Olojo(alias Agbele woju Orun)
32. Okiti
33. Lugbade
34. Aribiwoso
35. Osinlade
36. Adagba
37. Ojigidiri(Lambuwa)
38. Akinmoyero (alias Odunlebiojo) (reigned circa 1770–1800)
39. Gbanlare (1800–1823)
40. Gbegbaaje (1823–1835)
41. Wunmonije (1835–1839)
42. Adegunle Adewela (1839–1849)
43. Degbinsokun (1849–1878)
44. Orarigba (Ọjájá I) (1878–1880)
45. Derin Ologbenla (1880–1894)
46. Adelekan Olubuse (Olubuse I) (1894–1910)
47. Adekola (1910)
48. Ademiluyi Ajagun (1910–1930)
49. Adesoji Aderemi (1930–1980)
50. Okunade Sijuwade (Olubuse II) (1980–2015)
51. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) (2015–present)
*Some Lineage Highlights*
*Odùduwà,* recognized as the legendary founder of the Yoruba people and the first Olofin Adimula, the Ooni of Ife, marks the lineage’s beginning.
*Oranmiyan (6th in line)* is a prominent figure, often credited with founding kingdoms like Oyo and Benin, and is directly connected as a scion of Odùduwà .
The rulership of Ile- Ife rotates among four principal royal ruling houses— *Lafogido, Osinkola, Ogboru, and Giesi* —a tradition which became structured in the late 19th century .
*Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II)* belongs to the Giesi royal house, tracing his descent through Ooni Giesi, Agbedegbede, Lajodogun, Lajamisan, and Oranmiyan, all leading back to Odùduwà .
In His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II, whose paternal grandfather named him “Adeyeye” (meaning “the crown befits the throne”), while his mother bestowed the name “Enitan” (“a child of great history”),we witness a true embodiment of this heritage. He is at once a custodian of tradition and a visionary of modernity, a monarch whose reign strengthens the sacred bonds between past, present, and future. His genealogy does not only belong to him; it belongs to all Yoruba sons and daughters, serving as a compass of identity and a reminder of the greatness that flows in Yoruba blood as a true scion of Olofin Adimula Oduduwa of Ile- Ife.
Now Is Ooni of Ife,a direct descendant of Oduduwa or a Chief Priest of Oduduwa?
Yes ,He is a true son of Oduduwa, through his mother ,Orunto.
Having said that,he is the “Arole Oduduwa” or oveseer of sorts, a caretaker of the home after other direct sons and grandsons of Oduduwa left Ita Ajero quarters, Ilé-ifè to found their kingdoms , even including Oranmiyan Odede and my own legendary progenitor, Ajero ki Osa – Omo Osu keregbe legbe Orun.
The revisionist historians described Ooni as a priest to Oduduwa and his sons and grandsons.How then does he establish superiority or suzerainty over the direct descendants of Oduduwa till today? The four ruling houses of Ile-Ife traced back their lineage to Olofin Oduduwa through Oranmiyan and this the history and genealogy that traced the lineage of Ooni as a direct scion of Olofin Oduduwa as well as the Pontiff or spiritual leader of Yorubas, and Ile-Ife remains the cradle of the Yoruba people worldwide.
Without any act of immodesty, Ile-Ife’s and Oonirisa’s authority in Yorubaland is more historical, cultural, moral and spiritual than military or political. It is a bad bird that fouls its own nest.
May the throne of Oduduwa endures forever, and long may His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, continue to inspire generations as “Arole Oduduwa” (viceroy of Oduduwa), the living heir of a timeless legacy.
– Femi Alufa, Writer,History buff and Genealogist is the Publisher/CEO of the Ekiti Summit News Media Group.
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