In a significant cultural exchange, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, the distinguished wife of Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, renowned for founding the African Fashion Week, is set to introduce Brazilian readers to the Yoruba culture through her upcoming book, “Obabirin.” The book, skillfully presented in Portuguese, seeks to delve into the rich tapestry of Yoruba traditions, history, and culture.
“Obabirin ” places a spotlight on the resilience and impact of female monarchs, underlining the historical importance of women’s emancipation in African society. Translated by Brazilian linguist Ana Carolina Freitas , the book will be unveiled in the picturesque literary village of Paraty, located in Rio de Janeiro.
The book launch, strategically aligned with Brazil’s Black Consciousness Month, will be accompanied by prestigious awards from the legislative house in São Paulo. Olori Aderonke, widely acknowledged for her spectacular African Fashion Week showcases in Brazil, is scheduled to address the House of Assembly, emphasizing the significance of African culture and traditions.
As part of the celebration, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi will share insights into African culture, with a specific focus on Adire and Batik. Her visit will encompass engaging lectures, seminars, and a workshop dedicated to celebrating Adire Oodua Hub, the ancestral production hub of African fashion situated in Ile-Ife.
Expressing anticipation for Olori Aderonke’s visit, Cátia Dias , a black activist and member of the organizing committee, remarked, “Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi has showcased the vital role of black women in Afro tradition. Through Olori Aderonke, we witnessed a black Queen for the first time, and we eagerly await her return to Brazil as we celebrate Afro Month.”
Born into a royal family, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi is the great-granddaughter of the late Ooni Ajagun Ademiluyi of Ile-Ife.
After earning a law degree from the University of West London, she embarked on a journey that has significantly impacted the fashion and empowerment landscape.
In 2011, Queen Aderonke founded the African Fashion Week London, now the UK’s largest annual event promoting African and African-inspired designs. Her passion for fashion led her to co-found Fashion Future Online Courses in collaboration with the Henley Business School and the Parsons School of Design in New York.
Recognizing the need for mentorship, especially for Black fashion students in the UK, Queen Aderonke established the AFWL Mentoring Scheme in partnership with the University of Northampton.
Her creative endeavors extend beyond the runway. She is the creator and producer of “Queen Moremi The Musical,” a captivating drama that brings to life the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasori of Ile-Ife.
Queen Aderonke’s commitment to empowerment is evident in her role as the Global Ambassador for QMA International Initiatives, overseeing funds that provide scholarships for young women. Her dedication is further exemplified through initiatives such as the QMA Anti-Slavery Campaign and the QMA Mentoring Program, supporting young women entrepreneurs.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Aderonke founded the Adire Oodua Textile Hub. This institution, under the auspices of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, serves as a center for training and empowering women and youth in Ile-Ife and its environs.
Her impact isn’t confined to the realm of fashion alone; it extends to cultural preservation. Queen Aderonke’s efforts include chronicling the Yoruba chronicle about the “OBA OBINRIN” – a testament to her commitment to showcasing the historical and cultural significance of women kings.
The African Fashion Week London, initiated in 2011, remains her crowning achievement, with over 1000 designs from the African continent and its diasporas showcased to a global audience exceeding 70,000 visitors annually.
In 2014, Queen Aderonke expanded her vision, establishing the African Fashion Week Nigeria to reach young African designers who faced logistical challenges in traveling to and exhibiting in London.
In 2021, she furthered her commitment to the industry by producing The AFWL Business Fashion Forum in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of London and the Department of Trade in Africa.
Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi’s journey is one of breaking barriers, promoting African creativity, and empowering the next generation – a narrative woven into the vibrant tapestry of her enduring legacy.
