Ooni of Ife Donates Land for World’s Largest IFA Temple

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) for the construction of what will become the world’s largest Ifa temple.

The landmark donation was announced on Monday and marks a significant milestone in the global recognition and institutionalization of traditional African religion.

The proposed temple will be situated at the Stadium Area, Route 7, in Ile-Ife, Osun State a city considered the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba people.

According to the ICIR, the project will not only serve as a monumental house of worship for devotees of Ifa and Orisha traditions but also function as a global center for pilgrimage, research, and cultural education.

The Ooni, revered as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people, said the donation reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and the advancement of indigenous religious practices.

“This is not just about constructing a temple; it’s about reclaiming our identity, showcasing our heritage, and offering a sacred space where people from all over the world can connect with the roots of Ifa,” the monarch stated.

The temple is expected to attract thousands of pilgrims annually from across the globe, reinforcing Ile-Ife’s status as a spiritual capital and bolstering local tourism and economic development.

Leaders of the ICIR expressed deep gratitude to the Ooni and pledged to ensure that the temple becomes a beacon of Yoruba spirituality and a unifying symbol for practitioners worldwide. Construction is expected to commence later this year, with architectural designs already underway.

This initiative is seen as part of a broader cultural renaissance among African traditional religions, which continue to gain recognition and followers both within and outside the continent.