Ooni of Ife reveals hidden talent as a Cobbler

By Tosin Brown

The 51st Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) has revealed a surprising talent: he is a skilled cobbler.

In a recent interview discussing his style and fashion, Ooni Ogunwusi shared that his passion for shoemaking began in his youth.

“I am a cobbler,” he stated, explaining that his attire is sourced from various parts of Nigeria. “When I was a kid, I went to learn shoe-making.”

The Ooni further revealed that he personally crafts all the shoes he wears. “I still make my shoes till date. I design all my shoes. I do the drawing and choose the materials,” he said.

Since ascending the throne at the age of 41, following the reign of the 50th Ooni of Ife, Ooni Okunade Sijuade (Olubuse II), Ooni Ogunwusi has been a prominent public figure.

As he approaches his 50th birthday on October 17, the Ooni has chosen to commemorate the milestone not with lavish celebrations, but by launching 50 projects aimed at benefiting humanity.