This one is very dear to my heart! I outdid myself on this piece, working on it for almost a month. Final shots below.
Friends, Drumrolls… 🎉🎉🥁
I give you my portrait drawing of the 51st Ooni (King) of Ife;
His imperial majesty, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi,
Ojaja Keji!!! 👑
As the British have King Charles, the Yorubas have the Oonirisa
Medium: Pastel, graphite & charcoal on paper
The king bears the title “Àrólé Odùduwà” (Heir of Oduduwa). Oduduwa is regarded as a divine king, the first in line of Oonis
Why is the Ooni, known to worship Yoruba gods, holding a Bible? The Ooni, like other Yoruba kings is religiously neutral, he entertains all parties for fairness and equity. It’s not just the Ooni, Yorubas are generally known to be hospitable to all regardless of differences.
Though he presides over the origin of Yoruba kingdoms, Ile Ife, making him the most powerful and prestigious Yoruba king, the Ooni is not the only Yoruba king. There are other powerful kings such as the Oba of Lagos and the Alaafin of Oyo, among many others.
The reference photos were taken on an earlier visit to the palace where I first met him, a rare privilege!
And here’s the final shot!!!
Thanks for taking the time to connect with my art, please share your thoughts and I’ll be happy to answer any questions!