Oloye Sade Ajala

Iyanifa Iyalorisa Oyawunmi Ifawemida Awosade Osunnike Ojeyemi Egbebunmi Ajala was introduced to Yoruba culture and religion in Cleveland, Ohio, where she studied with Iyanifa Ifalola Ifasope Osuntokun.

Long before that, Oyawunmi’s grandmother introduced her to Hoodoo, having her gather plants for "work". At sixteen, her stepmother blessed her with her first Usui Reiki attunement, and she is now a Reiki master practitioner.

Early adulthood found Oyawunmi studying New Age spirituality and astrology. Her work in a Cleveland herbal store enhanced her knowledge of holistic health as she simultaneously earned her cosmetology license. In 2008, she received her Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (CHHP) certification with Dr. Llaila Afrika and her Acudetox and Auricular Acupuncture certifications with Dr. Kokayi Patterson.

Oyawunmi initiated Oya in 2006. Two years later, she boldly moved to Maryland to immerse herself in a community of orisa practitioners. When her next teacher, Iyalorisa Sangotola Aduke fell ill, she was adopted by yánfá Ifadoyin Aduke, training for five years before opening her own ile, Ile Àṣẹ Oya Gbera.

In 2012, Oyawunmi was initiated into the rites of Egungun and IFA in Oyo. In 2017, she initiated Osun in Osogbo, Osun state Finally, she initiated Egbe in 2018, also in Osogbo. 2021 Iya revieved a chiefancy title Oloye Amuwera Foya from Osogbo elders and chiefs for her contributions to Yoruba and diaspora culture and spirituality and community advocation on the importance of ancestral and cultural reverence.Each step in her journey has empowered her work as an advocate for Yoruba culture in Nigeria and within the diaspora exposing others to history, culture and spiritual understanding of our ancestors. 

Iyalorisa Oyawunmi married into the Ajala family in 2013. With her husband, Babalawo Sàngówale Ajala. she continues to teach about traditional Nigerian culture and the importance of cultural & ancestral liberation.