The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has emotionally reflected on his personal marital journey, years of emotional pressure, and the challenges he faced before the arrival of his newborn twin princes with Olori Mariam Ogunwusi.
Speaking at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife during a grand congratulatory visit by religious leaders, traditional rulers, cultural groups, businessmen, and members of various communities, the revered monarch expressed deep gratitude to Olodumare for what he described as a divine royal blessing upon the House of Oduduwa.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni used the occasion to openly share some of the emotional realities behind his royal journey since ascending the throne of Oduduwa.
Kabiyesi revealed that while growing up, he never imagined becoming a man with multiple wives, but explained that the cultural and traditional responsibilities attached to the throne significantly altered the course of his personal and marital life.
The monarch recounted how shortly after ascending the throne, there was intense pressure for him to fully settle into royal marital responsibilities. He disclosed that prominent traditional rulers and respected personalities once intervened in efforts to persuade his former wife to relocate permanently to Ile-Ife, though the move eventually did not happen.
Reflecting further on his younger years, the Ooni revealed that he became a father at the age of 19, describing the experience as one of the most difficult periods of his early life. He credited his mother for encouraging him to remain hardworking, focused, and determined despite the emotional burden and uncertainties he faced at the time.
The Ooni also spoke candidly about the emotional pain and public criticism he endured over delays in having children after ascending the throne, revealing that some people openly mocked him during the challenging years.
“I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do,” the monarch declared joyfully while appreciating Olodumare for the birth of the twin princes.
Kabiyesi further appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom he described as a strong mother figure who consistently supported and encouraged him during difficult periods.
The celebration at the palace attracted dignitaries including members of the Ife Muslim Community, the Hausa Community, traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area under the Origbo Meje Obas, members of the Giesi Ruling House, the Ile-Opa family, captains of industry, businessmen, and several cultural groups who gathered to rejoice with the monarch over the royal birth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said the Muslim community and other well-wishers came to celebrate what he described as a divine blessing from God upon the royal household.
“We have come to rejoice with Kabiyesi. It is God who makes a person laugh when he laughs. Childbirth comes only by the command of God. Kabiyesi, this is worthy of thanking God for,” the Chief Imam stated.
The emotional remarks by the Ooni have continued to resonate deeply across the Yoruba community, with many describing the testimony as a powerful reminder of faith, perseverance, destiny, and divine timing within the sacred royal institution of Ile-Ife.
