By Christy Anyanwu
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is a passionate advocate for African fashion.
As the founder of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN), she has created a global platform to showcase African creativity and style.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Sun, the soft-spoken Queen shares her vision for AFWL and AFWN, highlighting her dedication to promoting African fashion and cultural heritage worldwide.
As a successful entrepreneur, how do you manage work-life balance?
It’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned to prioritise self-care. I carve out time for family and creative activities outside of fashion. Those moments recharge me and keep me grounded.
Do you have any personal habits or routines that you credit for your success?
Yes, setting clear goals and reviewing them regularly keeps me focused. I also practise mindfulness and gratitude. It helps me stay centred, even when things get overwhelming.
How has your cultural background influenced your personal style and fashion work?
Immensely. My culture is a constant source of inspiration, from fabrics to storytelling. It influences my wardrobe, my aesthetic choices, and even how I run my business. Culture is not just part of the brand, it is the brand.
Who are your style icons or creative inspirations?
I’m inspired by traditional artisans who preserve age-old techniques. At the same time, I admire contemporary designers who fuse heritage with modernity, those who use fashion to tell bold, truthful stories.
What advice would you give aspiring African designers hoping to make a global impact?
Lead boldly. Stay rooted in your identity and don’t be afraid to challenge systems. Learn the business side of fashion. Knowledge is your power, and your platform. Most importantly, lift others as you rise.
Reflecting on your journey, what is one lesson you wish you knew when starting out?
Resilience is everything. There will be obstacles, even heartbreaks, but each setback can be a stepping stone. I once had to sell my flat to fund this dream. But today, that sacrifice feels worth it. Always trust your vision.
Tell us about life growing up?
I had a very privileged background as one of the children of Prince Adebolu Ademiluyi. I have three brothers, and I’m the only girl. I was born in London, precisely the Paddington Hospital where the royals in the UK are born as well. I lived in Sussex Garden while growing up before we moved back to Nigeria.
I did a bit of my schooling in Nigeria; my primary school was Adrao International School. Then my mum is from Akure, and they decided that we should go over there to also learn from her people. So I was in boarding School at Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure. I went back to London for my A’Levels; later, I went to London University where I studied Law, despite always wanting to spend all my life in fashion and textiles.
What attracted you to Ooni?
I can tell you I fell in love with him because of our culture, for the uplift of our culture.
I would like to mention this: My husband has always been a firm supporter of Africa Fashion Week, London and Nigeria since inception. Even when we try to get sponsors and I don’t get sponsors, he was the one I would always go crying to. . So he’s been a very, very, consistent supporter.
Your brand, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) recently collaborate with Disney’s The Lion King, what inspires that?
There are moments that feel like destiny; this was one of them. The Lion King is more than just a film; it’s a global rite of passage. It speaks to identity, heritage, and belonging. At AFWL, we saw a rare opportunity to align our values and stories with one of the most iconic tales ever told, using fashion as a universal language of culture and creativity.
What makes this collaboration so significant for African fashion?
This is more than a creative partnership, it’s a cultural awakening. While The Lion King introduced many people around the world to Africa, AFWL provides a deeper, more authentic lens, one rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, storytelling, and artistic expression. It’s about legacy, pride, and leading the narrative from within.
What can audiences expect from The Lion Kin’sg performance at AFWL 2025?
It will be more than a performance, it will be a message. The Lion King represents values we hold dear: community, resilience, and identity. These are the same values at the heart of African fashion. When the curtains rise in August, audiences will witness a powerful blend of storytelling and style, a fashion spectacle with soul.
AFWL has always been about challenging stereotypes. How does this partnership continue that mission? How is AFWL supporting designers beyond the runway?
AFWL is more than a showcase. It’s a support system. We provide mentorship, professional development, and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. We’ve seen many of our alumni go on to win international awards, get stocked in luxury stores, and become cultural ambassadors. That impact drives us to do more.
Also, as part of our continuous efforts to support African brands and designers generally, we recently concluded the Economics of Fashion Executive Masterclass at the London School of Economics.
It was a very transformative event It marked a shift in how we view African fashion, not just as cultural expression, but as an economic force. The programme gave us a strong academic framework to support the creative industry and showed that fashion can drive innovation, employment, and global GDP growth.
What are your expectations for AFWL 2025?
We’re expecting AFWL 2025, happening between August 9 and 10, to be a landmark event. With the inclusion of The Lion King and our continued partnerships, we’re taking the celebration beyond fashion. It’s about culture, innovation, and economic empowerment.
When people watch The Lion King at AFWL 2025, what do you hope they take away?
I want them to feel the roar of Africa, not as a borrowed sound, but as an authentic call. I want them to see a continent not asking to be noticed but demanding to be respected. AFWL 2025 is not just a show, it’s a declaration. A cultural awakening. An invitation to walk with us into the future, where African fashion doesn’t follow but leads.
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