Amidst the vibrant energy of a new year, Princess Adesile (born Yetunde Oduwole), the Ijebu royal and entrepreneurial force, celebrated her birthday with a powerful declaration of gratitude and ambition.
In a series of evocative photographs shared on January 13th, the princess stands regally beside her decorated horse, affectionately nicknamed “001”—wearing traditional attire that speaks to her deep cultural roots.
The images, set against a celebratory backdrop, accompanied a heartfelt message reflecting on a landmark year and heralding the next.
“Alhamdulilah Robil Al’Amin +1 🎂,” she began, giving thanks. “Remember when I said 2025 was my turn… and it turned out to be true and so real!… Grace located me. It was a blessed year.”
Her reflection on 2025 is backed by tangible impact. The princess emerged as a modern cultural icon, most notably by breaking tradition as the first widely celebrated female horse rider at the prestigious Ojude Oba festival, a role long dominated by men. This act of graceful defiance propelled her onto international stages, including being named the Cultural Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2025, where she led a show-stopping, Ojude Oba-inspired catwalk.
Her influence extends beyond the festival grounds and runways. She was recognised as one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful People in Travel & Tourism for 2025, a testament to her work in promoting Nigerian heritage globally through her multifaceted brands like the fashion and culture hub Desile Lagos and the hospitality venture Gusto Africano in Cancun.
The princess’s message was as much about gratitude as it was about forward momentum. She credits her horse, “001,” as playing a “significant role” in her 2025 journey, symbolising a partnership that blends heritage with personal ambition. Looking ahead, she declared, “In 2026, I’m winning in all ramifications of life, and it’s already materialising.”
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She announced that her birthday festivities will officially crescendo on the upcoming Ojude Oba Day, the famed cultural festival in Ijebu-Ode, seamlessly tying her personal celebration back to the community and tradition she represents.
For Princess Adesile, the past year proved that cultural pride is a powerful catalyst for success, and 2026 is poised to be an even grander stage.
