Ooni of Ife Unveils Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus for Humanity’s Service

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has inaugurated the Ile-Ife campus of Ojaja University, a privately owned institution he established to advance knowledge and cultural heritage across Africa. ​ This launch on Saturday served as a centerpiece of his 10th coronation anniversary celebrations, positioning the university as a beacon for legacy-building over fleeting wealth or power. ​ Oba Ogunwusi challenged education stakeholders to prioritize generational impact through such ventures, rather than commercial gains. 

Vision and Leadership Praise

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, hailed the Ooni’s initiative as a transformative force for young Africans, thanking divine providence for such committed leadership. ​ Prof. Lere Baale, Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, portrayed the university as a cultural embassy blending knowledge, heritage, and innovation to foster African leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and creatives. ​ Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jeleel Olasunkanmi Ojuade highlighted the Ooni’s pioneering role among monarchs, noting the Ile-Ife site’s symbolism as the Yoruba cradle of civilization for arts, media, and creative industries. ​

Programmes and Historical Context

The Ile-Ife campus targets fields like arts, cultural studies, mass communication, broadcasting, film, public relations, Yoruba language, music, and theatre arts, complementing the Eyenkorin, Ilorin campus with its 13 accredited programmes. ​ Acquired and repositioned by the Ooni since 2022, Ojaja University now expands to renew socio-cultural legacies and benchmark higher education for traditional rulers continent-wide. ​ Earlier milestones include the 2024 inauguration of its governing council. 

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Distinguished Guests

The event drew royal and prominent figures, underscoring unity in Nigeria’s traditional leadership. ​

• Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi
• Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin
• Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Adedeji
• Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole
• Iyalaje Oodua, Chief Toyin Kolade
• Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko