By Our Correspondent
Seabrook, South Carolina | June 24, 2025 — The leadership of the internationally recognized Oyotunji African Village has issued a strong public advisory, condemning the unauthorized use of its revered royal and cultural identity by individuals falsely claiming affiliation with the sacred Yoruba-centered community.
In an official press release dated June 24, 2025, the Oyotunji African Village denounced several individuals for engaging in what it described as fraudulent impersonation of royal titles and misrepresentation of cultural authority. The individuals named in the statement include Bobajiro Olajide Makinde Wilkerson, Eketa Oba Adetokun Oyewole Meredith, Olamiji Pearse, and Kimberly Washington.
“These individuals are not, and have never been, chiefs, leaders, or authorized representatives of Oyotunji African Village,” stated Her Royal Highness Ifabunmi O.A. Adefunmi Sands, the Yeye Oba of Oyotunji Village and United Nations Delegate for the African Cultural Development Foundation (ACDF). “Their actions are misleading, culturally exploitative, and rooted in the pursuit of personal fame and financial gain. These individuals are imposters and charlatans.”
ARRESTS AND RESTRAINING ORDERS
Particularly alarming to the Oyotunji leadership is the case of Olamiji Pearse, who has allegedly been falsely styling herself as the “Queen of Oyotunji” and CEO of an entity calling itself the “Royal Way Cultural Tourism Agency.” According to the statement, Pearse and her mother, Kimberly Washington, were arrested in South Carolina after attempting to physically assault the reigning monarch, Oba Adefunmi II, and Yeye Oba Ifabunmi Adefunmi, on the sacred grounds of the village.
The incident led to a public denunciation and divorce of Pearse by Oba Adefunmi II. Legal restraining orders have since been issued against both Pearse and Washington.
“Their behavior violated both the civil statutes of the State of South Carolina and the cultural protocols of the Oyotunji Kingdom,” said the statement.
A CALL FOR VIGILANCE
The Oyotunji African Village, founded in 1970 as the first intentional Yoruba village in North America, has long been a guardian of traditional African spiritual and cultural heritage. Its leaders are now urging the public, media outlets, and institutions to exercise due diligence and verify any claims of title or affiliation directly with official village representatives.“
We are actively working with the appropriate legal and regulatory bodies to ensure this matter is addressed in full accordance with the law,” the release emphasized.
In closing, Yeye Oba Ifabunmi expressed gratitude to the community and allies for their continued support and commitment to upholding cultural integrity.
FOR OFFICIAL INQUIRIES:
Visit: www.Oyotunji.org
Contact: Oyotunji Royal Palace Executive Office
Address: 56 Bryant Lane, Seabrook, SC 29940
About Oyotunji African Village:
Founded by His Royal Majesty Oba Waja, Adefunmi I, in 1970, Oyotunji Village stands as a beacon of African cultural preservation and Yoruba spiritual traditions in the United States. The village has gained international recognition for its pioneering role in reviving Orisa worship and African monarchy in the Diaspora.
