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 on Thursday officially unveiled the names of his newborn twin princes during a colourful traditional naming ceremony held at the ancient Emese Court within the palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In a statement on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the ceremony, which attracted scores of dignitaries, traditional rulers, palace chiefs, family members, religious leaders and well-wishers from different parts of the country, was held exactly one week after the twins were delivered by one of the Ooni’s wives, Queen Mariam Ogunwunsi.
The joyous event was filled with cultural displays, prayers and royal blessings as the ancient city of Ile-Ife celebrated the arrival of the twin princes into the revered royal household.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, announced the traditional names of the newborn princes 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.
According to him, the second twin, Kehinde, bears the names Adelẹye, Adelanaola, Adejuwon, Adedoyin, Adebola, Kehinde, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
He offered prayers for the newborn princes, praying that they would grow in wisdom, strength, sound health and become worthy ambassadors of the royal dynasty and the Yoruba race.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, expressed appreciation to Olodumare for the successful delivery of the twins and congratulated the Ooni and Queen Mariam on the historic addition to the royal family.
He described the birth of the twin princes as a moment of joy not only for the palace but for the entire people of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race, praying for enduring peace, prosperity and progress in the ancient kingdom.
In an Islamic way, a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Nda Salaty, who led a delegation from the family and relatives of Queen Mariam Ogunwunsi, announced the Muslim names of the twins with the approval of the Ooni.
He revealed that Taiwo was given the Muslim name Hassan, while Kehinde was named Hussein.
The Islamic cleric noted that the names symbolise honour, nobility, peace and spiritual blessings, adding that the children were born into a royal family known for promoting religious harmony, peace and unity across the country.
Sheikh Nda Salaty lauded the Ooni for his continuous commitment to religious tolerance, cultural preservation and national unity, describing the monarch as a symbol of peace and fatherly leadership in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, in a statement, said the Ooni appreciated all traditional rulers, religious leaders, associates, friends and well-wishers who attended the naming ceremony and celebrated with the royal family.
According to the statement, the Ooni commended Nigerians and admirers across the world for their prayers, goodwill messages and show of love towards the palace following the birth of the twin princes.
The Ooni also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, cultural heritage and unity among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
The ceremony further witnessed cultural entertainment and traditional performances as members of the Ebira Vonya Youth Association thrilled guests with energetic dance presentations in honour of Queen Mariam Ogunwunsi, who hails from Ebira land in Kogi State.