The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has expressed gratitude to Olodumare following the birth of twin princes with his wife, Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, while also reflecting on the emotional challenges, marital experiences, and personal struggles that shaped his journey to fatherhood and royal family life.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni made the remarks while receiving members of the Ife Muslim Community, the Hausa Community, traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, members of the Giesi Ruling House, the Ile-Opa family, captains of industry, businessmen, and various cultural groups who stormed the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife to celebrate with the Ooni over the birth of the twin princes.
Speaking during the gathering, the Ooni appreciated the visitors for their prayers, love, and steadfast support, noting that Olori Mariam also extended her heartfelt greetings to everyone who stood by her.
According to the Ooni, his life journey has been filled with unexpected challenges and mysteries, particularly after ascending the throne of Oduduwa. He disclosed that while growing up, he never imagined having many wives, but explained that circumstances and the traditional demands attached to the throne changed the course of his marital life.
The revered monarch recounted how he faced intense pressure shortly after becoming the Ooni to quickly settle into royal marital responsibilities. He revealed that efforts were made at the time to persuade his former wife to relocate to Ile-Ife, with several prominent traditional rulers and influential personalities intervening, but the move eventually did not materialise.
Reflecting on his youthful years, the Ooni revealed that he became a father at the age of 19, describing the experience as one of the most challenging periods of his life. He said the development initially overwhelmed him, but his mother played a significant role in encouraging him to remain focused, hardworking, and determined despite the circumstances.
The Ooni further disclosed that after ascending the throne, he endured years of emotional pain, public criticism, and pressure due to delays in having children, adding that some people openly mocked him during the difficult period.
“I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do,” the Ooni said while expressing joy over the latest addition to the royal family.
He also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and encouragement over the years, describing her as a mother figure who stood firmly by him through challenging moments.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said the Muslim community and other well-wishers came to rejoice with the Ooni over the divine blessing bestowed on the palace.
“We have come to rejoice with Kabiyesi. It is God who makes a person laugh when he laughs. God created everything, and childbirth comes only by the command of God. Kabiyesi, this is worthy of thanking God for,” the Chief Imam stated.