By Esther Onyegbula

The Throne of Oduduwa, under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Arole Oodua and Paramount Ruler of the Yoruba race worldwide, has announced the appointment of Prince Kamari Ademiluyi as the International Economic Advisor to the Royal Family and the Kingdom of Ile-Ife, signalling a major step in the Ooni of Ife’s expanding global development agenda.

The appointment, conferred by His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Arole Oodua underscores the monarch’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing innovation, and positioning Ile-Ife as a centre of global cooperation.

According to the formal royal proclamation: “By the authority of the Throne of Oduduwa and in line with our continuous commitment to global partnerships, economic development, and the advancement of the Yoruba people, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, hereby appoints Prince Kamari Ademiluyi as International Economic Advisor to the Royal Family and the Kingdom of Ile-Ife.”
The statement was issued under the Seal of the Throne of Oduduwa.

The honour follows Prince Kamari’s pivotal role in the successful 2025 edition of the UK Africa Trade Expo (UKATE), where he mobilised investors, governments, innovators and institutions across several continents. His leadership, analysts say, reflects a new generation of engagement that aligns with the Ooni’s vision to drive economic prosperity, empower women and youth, and strengthen diplomacy through culture and innovation.
The Ooni’s agenda for the new office includes deepening global investment in Nigeria and Ile-Ife, advancing sectors such as technology, agriculture, green energy and space innovation, and promoting Yoruba heritage on the world stage.

A Global Debut at the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting
Shortly after his appointment, Prince Kamari delivered his first official address at the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM), one of the world’s leading platforms shaping the future of the space economy. This year’s gathering was held under the theme: “Space as a Catalyst for Inclusive Global Economic Development.”

Speaking before G20 delegates, space agency chiefs, policymakers and global CEOs, Prince Kamari made a compelling case for Africa’s inclusion in the global space economy. He stressed the need for Africans to become co-architects of climate intelligence, satellite ecosystems, aerospace engineering and digital sovereignty.

He also highlighted the need for Africans to have a seat at decision-making tables, noting that “Africa’s destiny in the space economy must be shaped with Africa, by Africans, and for Africans,” while acknowledging global collaboration.
Prince Kamari further referenced His Imperial Majesty’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, scientific advancement and technological innovation as a foundation for Africa’s role in future frontier sectors.
He also outlined ongoing collaborations between the UK Africa Trade Expo and the GEC Space Programme, including Project Acorn, emerging plans for an Africa-focused GEC Space City, and programmes designed to open pathways for African youth in robotics, AI, aerospace, cyber-defence and satellite technology. Additional initiatives include support for African governments developing national space policies and partnerships connecting global space companies to African markets.
In his closing appeal, he urged world leaders:
“Africa must not be left behind in the Space Revolution. Africa must stand beside the world, not behind it.”
Observers say the speech marked a defining moment for Ile-Ife, positioning the ancient kingdom as an unexpected but rising voice in international innovation diplomacy.
Reacting to the announcement, Prince Kamari expressed deep gratitude and pledged to uphold the responsibilities of the office with integrity and purpose.
“I receive this royal appointment with profound humility and unwavering loyalty to His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Ojaja II. It is a sacred honour to serve the Throne of Oduduwa and to support His Majesty’s visionary mission of expanding global partnerships, empowering women and youth, and opening new frontiers of trade and investment for our people.” he said.

The title Prince Kamari said is not only a call to duty, but a commitment to elevate Ile-Ife and Nigeria onto the world stage with integrity, diligence, and measurable impact. “I will carry this responsibility with the deepest respect for our heritage and an unshakeable belief in the future of Africa.” he concluded.