Among Nigeria’s most iconic and revered monarchs, the Ooni of Ife occupies a powerful and respected position. As the spiritual head of the Yoruba people worldwide and the custodian of their traditions, the Ooni of Ife combines cultural leadership with modern influence.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Ooni of Ife net worth in naira and dollars (2025 Forbes updated), his biography, wealth sources, palaces, lifestyle, and more. If you are curious about how much the Ooni of Ife is worth, how he built his fortune, and the symbols of his wealth, this guide gives you everything you need to know.
Who is the Ooni of Ife? – Biography
The Ooni of Ife is the paramount traditional ruler of the Yoruba people, a prominent ethnic group in Nigeria and beyond. The Ooni’s position is more than ceremonial — he is seen as a spiritual leader, custodian of culture, and an influencer in modern social and political affairs.
The current Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), ascended the throne in December 2015 after the passing of Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 17, 1974, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi hails from the Giesi ruling house of the Oranmiyan dynasty. He studied Accounting at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and became a member of professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Directors.
Before ascending the throne, he was a successful entrepreneur, with significant investments in real estate and other industries.
How Did the Ooni of Ife Make His Money?
The Ooni’s wealth comes from a blend of pre-royalty business success, royal privileges, and strategic investments. Below are the key sources of his fortune:
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Profits from real estate developments.
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Ownership and stakes in hospitality and construction businesses.
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Investments in agriculture and manufacturing.
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Gifts, tributes, and goodwill from subjects and dignitaries.
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Allowances and entitlements as a traditional ruler.
His savvy investments before becoming Ooni established him as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest monarchs.
Ooni of Ife Net Worth in 2025 – In Naira and Dollars
According to Forbes’ 2025 updated estimate, the Ooni of Ife’s net worth is:
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₦40 billion Naira
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$28 million USD
This estimate takes into account his vast business empire, palaces, luxury assets, and revenues from his role as Ooni. Although the true value of some of his holdings is private, available data and Forbes analysis place him among Nigeria’s richest traditional rulers.
How the Ooni of Ife’s Net Worth is Calculated
The calculation of his net worth involves examining:
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Real estate portfolios in major Nigerian cities.
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Hospitality and construction company valuations.
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Investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries.
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Value of palaces, royal regalia, and traditional artifacts.
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Annual income from government allocations, tributes, and gifts.
These combined assets contribute to his substantial net worth.
The Ooni’s Career Before the Throne
Before becoming Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi made a name for himself as a businessman:
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Founded Gran Imperio Group (GIG), a real estate development company.
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Oversaw the construction of prominent estates and luxury homes in Lagos and other cities.
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Invested in hospitality, creating resorts and event venues.
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Engaged in manufacturing and import-export businesses.
His achievements in the private sector laid the financial foundation that supported his royal responsibilities.
Ooni of Ife’s Lifestyle
The Ooni of Ife leads a lifestyle that reflects his royal heritage and modern influence. Notable aspects include:
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Residing in lavish palaces in Ile-Ife and other locations.
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Hosting cultural, spiritual, and political ceremonies.
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Wearing elaborate regalia and ancient crowns.
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Traveling for cultural diplomacy, both within and outside Nigeria.
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Attending high-profile events and supporting global Yoruba communities.
His ability to maintain tradition while embracing contemporary relevance distinguishes his leadership.
The Palaces of the Ooni of Ife
As the spiritual and cultural hub of the Yoruba nation, the Ooni’s palaces are symbolic of his status.
Ile Oodua – Main Palace
Located in Ile-Ife, Ile Oodua Palace serves as the Ooni’s official residence. Features include:
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Ornate traditional architecture.
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Royal apartments and ceremonial halls.
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Shrines and sacred areas for spiritual rites.
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Collections of historic artifacts and regalia.
This palace not only accommodates the Ooni and his family but also serves as a center of Yoruba culture.
Other Estates
Beyond Ile Oodua, the Ooni owns other luxury homes and estates, used for personal retreats and hosting guests.
The Ooni of Ife’s Assets
The Ooni’s wealth is reflected in his numerous assets, including:
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Real estate developments across Nigeria.
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Hospitality businesses such as resorts and hotels.
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Luxury vehicles and ceremonial chariots.
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Priceless traditional crowns, beads, and garments.
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Agricultural lands and investments in food production.
These assets are carefully managed to preserve wealth and support the responsibilities of his office.
The Ooni’s Philanthropy
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is widely recognized for his charitable works. His philanthropic initiatives include:
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Sponsoring education for underprivileged children.
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Providing healthcare support and building medical facilities.
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Empowering women and youth through skills development.
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Supporting cultural preservation and arts.
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Donating to disaster relief and community projects.
These efforts have further solidified his reputation as a benevolent leader.
Comparison: Ooni of Ife and Other Nigerian Monarchs
Below is a comparison of the Ooni’s wealth with other prominent Nigerian kings:
| Monarch | Estimated Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|
| Sultan of Sokoto | $30 million |
| Ooni of Ife | $28 million |
| Oba of Lagos | $10 million |
| Olu of Warri | $7 million |
While not the wealthiest overall, the Ooni is among the top-ranking monarchs, with a unique blend of influence, tradition, and wealth.
Career Lessons from the Ooni of Ife
Several valuable lessons can be drawn from the Ooni’s journey:
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Build a strong foundation before leadership — wealth created early can sustain responsibilities later.
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Invest in diverse sectors to minimize risk.
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Use your influence to uplift others.
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Balance cultural heritage with modern innovation.
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Prioritize education, hard work, and vision.
These principles have helped him maintain prominence and respect.
Ooni of Ife Net Worth Summary Table (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (₦) | ₦40 billion |
| Estimated Net Worth ($) | $28 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Real estate, hospitality, royal earnings |
| Major Assets | Palaces, properties, traditional regalia |
| Philanthropy Areas | Education, healthcare, cultural initiatives |
| Lifestyle | Regal, modern, globally influential |
Frequently Asked Questions on Ooni of Ife Net Worth
How much is the Ooni of Ife worth in 2025?
The Ooni of Ife’s estimated net worth in 2025 is ₦40 billion naira or $28 million USD.
What are the main sources of the Ooni’s wealth?
His wealth comes from real estate, hospitality, agriculture, traditional tributes, and allowances.
Where does the Ooni of Ife live?
His official residence is Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
Does the Ooni of Ife engage in philanthropy?
Yes, he supports education, healthcare, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Is the Ooni of Ife the richest king in Nigeria?
He is one of the richest, second only to the Sultan of Sokoto as per Forbes estimates.
Final Thoughts on Ooni of Ife Net Worth in Naira and Dollars (2025)
The Ooni of Ife, as a spiritual leader, businessman, and philanthropist, represents the perfect blend of tradition and modern success. His net worth in naira and dollars (2025) reflects decades of strategic investments, entrepreneurship, and the honor of his royal position.
Through his wealth and influence, he continues to preserve the heritage of the Yoruba people while embracing progressive values that impact society positively.
For anyone interested in how cultural heritage can coexist with financial prosperity and global relevance, the Ooni of Ife’s story is an inspiring example.