Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi has said his business activities do not affect his responsibilities as a traditional ruler.
He spoke in an interview with Premium Times, where he explained that his experience in private business before becoming Ooni in 2015 has helped him in leadership.
“Being a private sector stakeholder before my ascension to the throne of my forebears has helped me to serve my people better as the Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife,” he said.
He said leadership involves managing people and resources, adding that his business background prepared him for that role.
“Leadership generally is about human resources and crisis management. I was well-grounded in these as a businessman, and that experience helps me serve my people daily,” he said.
Before becoming Ooni, he worked in sectors including hospitality, real estate, mining and infrastructure. He said he founded Inagbe Grand Resort in Lagos, started the Ife Grand Resort project, and developed over 3,000 properties across Nigeria.
He said he continues to invest in malls, hospitality and other sectors, describing it as a continuation of his earlier work.
“Investment in malls, hospitality and others is in continuation of my commercial activities long before I ascended the throne,” he said.
Oba Ogunwusi said his investments are also aimed at job creation and support for small businesses.
“Beyond their commercial values, investment in this regard allows me to employ numerous qualified youth who could have been jobless,” he said.
He said he uses his business activities to show younger Nigerians how entrepreneurship works.
“I operate my investment as a litmus test for Nigerians, especially young ones, to show them practically how things are done,” he said.
On his Ojaja Mall and Suites project in Lagos, he said it combines retail, hospitality and entertainment, and also promotes locally made products.
The monarch said there has been no conflict between his business interests and his role as Ooni.
“There have never been moments of tension between my business instincts and responsibilities as Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife,” he said.
He added that he relies on teams in both his traditional role and business ventures to manage responsibilities.
