Joy and celebration are spreading across Ile-Ife and among friends of the throne of Oduduwa worldwide following the announcement by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, of the arrival of twin princes into the royal household.
The monarch disclosed the news in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday 15th May, expressing joy at the arrival of his princes and giving thanks to God as both his wife and the children are in good health.
In his words, the Ooni wrote: “To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again! Warmest congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and to Olori Mariam Ajibola on the joyous arrival of a prince and a prince to the royal throne of Oduduwa today. We give thanks to Almighty God as both mother and children are in good health.”
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni expressed gratitude to Almighty Olodumare for the successful delivery of the babies. He further prayed that the newborn princes would grow in sound health, wisdom, peace, and greatness, while becoming worthy ambassadors of the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race.
Olori Mariam Ajibola Ogunwusi, an Ebira woman from Kogi State with family ties to Kwara State and a background in the oil and gas sector, was married to the Ooni in September 2022. She is his first wife and Yeyeluwa of the palace.
The birth of the twin princes is a significant addition to the royal household. Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in for the monarch following the announcement. The new arrivals join the Ooni’s existing children, including his daughter Princess Adeola Aanuolouwapo and son Prince Tadenikawo, born to his former wife Prophetess Naomi Silekunola.
