Get to know the Royal Family
The Adefunmi family legacy is marked by their forefather, His Royal Majesty Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Aladaxonou Adefunmi I, who founded and spearheaded the historic post-civil rights era movement referred to as "The African Restoration Movement" in America. The family is renowned for leading the establishment and the sustaining of the Oyotunji African Kingdom in South Carolina, a community dedicated to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and traditions in the United States. Founded in 1970 by H.R.M. Oba Adefunmi I and several of his Chiefs, the village serves as the cultural epicenter for African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
Today, the family remains instrumental in fostering an appreciation for Yoruba customs, spirituality, and art, through unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and the promotion of Yoruba traditions in America.
The Adefunmi Dynasty
Pronounced: "Ah-De-Foon-Mee", The name Adefunmi translates as "The Crown.....?". The Adefunmi's are royal bloodline descendants, who have been traced back to the great king Tegbessou of the house of Aladaxonou, Dahomey, 1740-1774. [maybe Add something about Dahomey, Benin here]. add another fact about the family.
Osaginyan Palace
The Osaginyan Royal Palace, constructed in 1972 under Oba Adefunmi I's direction, serves as the royal residence within Oyotunji Kingdom. The palace is a symbol of the community's dedication to authentic Yoruba architectural styles and functions as the administrative and ceremonial center of the royal family. It houses the tombs of the late kings, the family and is the site for various cultural and religious events, reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.
HRM Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Aladaxonou Adefunmi I
Oba Adefunmi I is credited with the title the "Father of The African Restoration Movement". He was the first documented African American initiated into the Yoruba priesthood and later crowned as a king in Ile Ife, Nigeria. His dedication to African studies and spirituality led him to establish the Order of the Damballah Hwedo and the Shango Temple in Harlem, New York, before founding Oyotunji Kingdom in 1970. After his passing in 2005, his son, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, succeeded him.
HRM Oba Adejuyigbe Adegbolu Egunjobi Oyewole Adefunmi I
Oba Adefunmi II succeeded his father, to become the second king of the kingdom of Oyotunji, in 2005. Under Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II's leadership, the kingdom continued its mission of cultural preservation and education. [briefly add more stuff he did]. He also served as the CEO of the African Theological Archministry, a charitable and spiritual nonprofit organization associated with the village. Oba Adefunmi II tragically ascended in 2024.
The Royal Family
HRG Olori Iyasanla Adaramola- Adefunmi
5th queen / Iyanifa, head priestess of obatala temple of oyotunji, OWNER OF GREAT BENIN BOOKS
HRG Olori Iyaorite Olasowo-Adefunmi
4th Queen/ aUTHOR, iyanifa, high priestess of obatala, founder of oyotunji tourism & THE OLASOWO HOUSE
HRG Iyaketu Ooyesegun-Adefunmi
7th queen/ high priestess of esu elegba, registered nurse
HRH Aremo Adesina Adefunmi
1st born son to oba adefunmi ii
HRH Kori Adefunmi
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HRH Yeyeoba Ifabunmi Adefunmi
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HRH Oduara Adefunmi
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