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Draft:Ashley Folashade Adegoke Ogunwusi

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Princess Ashley Folasade Adegoke
Olori Olofin Adimula
HRH Queen Ashley Folasade Adeyeye-Ogunwusi
Yeye Omi Oodua
Professional Background
University of Greenwich, London, United KingdomBachelors Degree in Accounting and MSc in Accounting and Finance
Member and Fellow of the Association for Accounting Technician (AAT) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the United Kingdom
An entrepreneur who has various businesses in the United Kingdom

Princess Ashley Folashade Adegoke Ogunwusi

Ashley Folashade Folakemi Adegoke-Ogunwusi (born April 1984) is a British-born chartered accountant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the wife of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, who is the 51st and current Ooni of Ife, a paramount traditional ruler and monarch of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife Kingdom in Nigeria.

Early Life and Education

Born into the royal lineage of the Lafogido ruling house in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ashley Folashade Folakemi Adegoke-Ogunwusi was raised in the United Kingdom. Her father, Prince Jacob Adebiyi Adegoke, was a descendant of Ooni Adagba, the 36th Ooni of Ife. Ashley obtained her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting and later a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Greenwich in London. She is a member and fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Professional Career

Ashley Adegoke-Ogunwusi has established a successful career in accounting and entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom. She is the Chief Executive Officer of RISENCROWN Limited and RISENCROWN Property Limited. In addition, she is a director of various retail franchises. Her businesses have been thriving since 2003.

Philanthropy

In honour of her late father, Prince Jacob Adebiyi Adegoke, a known philanthropist, Ashley founded the Ashley Adegoke Foundation. The charity is self-funded and focuses on improving the lives of orphans, widows, single mothers, and the less privileged in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and across Nigeria. The foundation aims to provide education funding, skill training, and support for the needy. Ashley’s mission is to inspire and empower underprivileged children and adults, addressing issues of poverty, hunger, and social injustice. Her vision includes making orphanages more habitable and ensuring the well-being and education of the children in their care.

Personal Life

As a member of the Ooni’s royal family, Ashley’s presence in the palace was established from an early age. Her marriage to Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was formalised on October 14, 2022, in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The wedding marked a significant milestone in Ashley's life as she officially became a Queen Consort.

Ashley is the mother of Princess Fadesola and is known for her strong sense of style and deep commitment to her role as a queen. She is often seen as a supportive and loving partner to the Ooni of Ife, celebrating his achievements and birthdays with heartfelt messages.

Awards and Recognition

Queen Ashley has been recognised for her contributions to philanthropy and community development. Her efforts through the Ashley Adegoke Foundation have been instrumental in impacting the lives of many in her community and beyond.

Cultural Leadership

Queen Ashley has been recognised for her leadership and dedication to Yoruba traditions through her role in leading the Osara Festival celebration in Ile-Ife. She emphasized the festival's spiritual significance and historical relevance before proceeding to the Osara Groove, a site visited by devotees seeking blessings from Osara, a deity associated with granting children to those who pray to her.

During the festival, Oba Isoro Ishola Osunwusi, the Olosara of Ife, highlighted the importance of the Osara Festival to all Yoruba people, noting Osara’s historical and cultural significance as the mother of Okanbi. Okanbi bore seven notable children, including the Oba of Benin and other prominent Yoruba rulers. Olori Ashley's active involvement in the festival underscores her commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and traditions. [1]

Ayan Atayero Festival in New York

Olori Ashley Ogunwusi has been recognized for her contributions to promoting Nigerian culture and heritage internationally. She represented the Ooni of Ife at the "Ayan Atayero Festival" (Festival of Drums), an event organized by the Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York and the Royal Festival Inc. This festival aimed to celebrate and highlight Nigeria's rich cultural heritage within the United States.

During the event, Olori Ashley conveyed royal greetings and underscored the significance of Yoruba culture, particularly the impact of drum festivals. Her participation emphasized the importance of cultural expressions in enriching the global African diaspora and promoting cultural diversity worldwide. [2]

Personal Insights and Cultural Promotion

Queen Ashley has provided valuable insights into her life as a queen through various interviews. She has spoken candidly about her delayed official recognition, attributing this decision to her commitment to her daughter's safety and well-being. Despite residing in the United Kingdom, Olori Ashley maintains respectful and harmonious relationships with her fellow queens in Nigeria.

Raised in a culturally and religiously diverse environment, Olori Ashley has embraced her alignment with traditional worship alongside her husband. Confident in her appearance, she emphasises the importance of balancing her roles as a queen, mother, and entrepreneur. Her dedication to supporting her husband in preserving the traditions of Ile-Ife and promoting cultural heritage remains steadfast.

Olori Ashley attributes her ability to manage her multifaceted responsibilities to divine guidance and the wisdom imparted by her family, demonstrating her commitment to her community and cultural legacy. [3]

  1. ^ "The Ooni's Queen, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, on Saturday, led numerous natives of Ile-Ife, particularly devotees of Osara, as the ancient city celebrated the festival of the prominent goddess; Nigerian Tribune". 7 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Olori Ashley Speaks on the Yoruba Culture; News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)". 6 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Olori Ashley Speaks; Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 23 April 2023.