The last surviving child of the 48th Ooni of Ife, Princess Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo, has died at the age of 102. Family sources confirmed that she passed away peacefully in early April 2026, prompting tributes from traditional and religious leaders across Ile Ife and beyond.
Princess Awofisayo was the daughter of Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun Lawarikan I, who ruled as the Ooni of Ife from 1910 to 1930. Her passing marks the end of a direct living link to that royal lineage, widely regarded as an important era in the history of Ile Ife.
She was born into the Otutu Royal Compound of the Lafogido Ruling House in Ile Ife and received her early education at Salvation Army Elementary School and Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Elementary School. She later became a trader and prominent community figure, and rose to prominence in the Muslim community, where she held the title of Iya Adinni of Ifeland.
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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described her death as the end of a remarkable era, while the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria also paid tribute to her life of faith and service. Princess Awofisayo is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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