The ancient city of Ile-Ife, revered globally as the Source of Yoruba civilization, came alive with royalty, culture and celebration on Thursday as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, officially unveiled the names of his newborn twin princes during a grand traditional naming ceremony held at the historic Emese Court within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, hosted the colourful royal event exactly one week after the twins were delivered by one of his queens, Olori Mariam Ogunwusi.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the ceremony drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, palace chiefs, religious leaders, family members, associates, dignitaries and well-wishers from across Nigeria, all of whom assembled to celebrate the arrival of the newborn princes into the revered royal dynasty.
The atmosphere at the palace reflected the richness of Yoruba cultural heritage, as traditional drumming, prayers, chants and royal blessings filled the ancient court in celebration of the historic moment.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, formally announced the traditional names of the twins with the approval of the Ooni.
He disclosed that the first twin, Taiwo, was named Adelowo, Adelanaire, Adejare, Adedunmininu, Ademola, Taiwo, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
The second twin, Kehinde, was named Adeleye, Adelanaola, Adejuwon, Adedoyin, Adebola, Kehinde, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
Oba Ademola Adeyeye offered royal prayers for the newborn princes, praying that they would grow in wisdom, strength, good health and become worthy ambassadors of the royal household, Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race globally.
Also speaking at the event, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, expressed gratitude to Olodumare for the successful delivery of the twins, congratulating the Ooni and Queen Mariam on what he described as a joyful and historic addition to the royal family.
He noted that the birth of the twin princes was not only a source of happiness for the palace, but also for the people of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba nation at large, praying for enduring peace, prosperity and continued progress in the ancient kingdom.
In recognition of the palace’s religious inclusiveness, Islamic prayers were also offered during the ceremony by a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Nda Salaty, who led a delegation of family members and associates of Queen Mariam Ogunwusi.
With the approval of the Ooni, the Islamic cleric announced the Muslim names of the twins, revealing that Taiwo bears the name Hassan, while Kehinde was named Hussein.
Sheikh Nda Salaty explained that the names symbolise honour, nobility, peace and spiritual blessings, adding that the princes were born into a royal household widely respected for promoting peace, unity and religious harmony across Nigeria.
The cleric further commended the Ooni for his commitment to cultural preservation, interfaith tolerance and national unity, describing the monarch as a symbol of peace, fatherly leadership and stability in the country.
Meanwhile, the Ooni, through a statement issued by Otunba Moses Olafare, appreciated all traditional rulers, religious leaders, dignitaries, friends, associates and well-wishers who attended the ceremony and rejoiced with the royal family.
The monarch also expressed gratitude to Nigerians and admirers across the world for the outpouring of prayers, goodwill messages and love shown to the palace following the birth of the twin princes.
Reaffirming his dedication to promoting peace, unity and cultural heritage among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations, the Ooni prayed for continued harmony and prosperity across the country.
The ceremony also featured vibrant cultural entertainment and traditional dance performances by members of the Ebira Vonya Youth Association, who thrilled guests in honour of Queen Mariam Ogunwusi, whose roots trace to Ebira land in Kogi State.
The royal naming ceremony once again reflected the enduring cultural significance of the Ooni’s Palace as a symbol of Yoruba identity, tradition and unity, while further strengthening the deep connection between the throne of Oduduwa and people across different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
