The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has made a rare and candid confession about his life as a monarch with multiple wives. In a now-viral video circulating across social media platforms, the respected traditional ruler revealed that he often feels deeply shy and awkward about managing a large household of multiple spouses under one palace roof.
From Mockery to Reality: A Change in Perspective
In a humorous twist of fate, the Ooni admitted that he used to heavily criticize and mock individuals who practiced polygamy. He confessed that in his younger days, he would abuse men with many wives and wonder how they coped. However, life has placed him in the same situation, and he now finds himself doing exactly what he once condemned. “I am always shy with the numerous wives I have because when I was younger, I used to abuse people with many wives and wonder how they cope, but see me doing same today,” he said.
Secret Reasons Behind His Marital Choices
The monarch hinted that his sudden transition into a large marital circle is bound to a secret reason he chooses to keep hidden from the public. Although he did not fully explain why he embraced polygamy, he suggested that there are deeper reasons connected to his position and responsibilities as the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition. According to him, there are certain things he may never openly discuss with the public. However, during previous public appearances, the Ooni had explained that some of his marital decisions were tied to the traditional heritage and demands attached to the throne of Ile Ife.
Expansion of the Royal Household
The Ooni's royal household expanded significantly in 2022 after he married six queens within roughly three months. The queens include Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi, and Temitope Adesegun. This rapid expansion brought the monarch into the spotlight, with many curious about his personal life.
Ooni of Ife Welcomes Twins
In other news, the Ooni of Ife announced the birth of twin princes with his wife, Olori Mariam Ajibola. The traditional ruler shared the exciting development in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, May 15. In his message, the monarch thanked God for what he described as another season of abundant blessings in the royal household. The statement read: “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 twin princes to the royal throne of Oduduwa today. We give thanks to Almighty God as both mother and children are in good health.”
Ooni Bonds with His First Son
Legit.ng also reported that the Ooni of Ife and his first son made waves online over videos of their conversation. The Ooni, who was delighted to be with his son, stood as the young prince shared what he knew about him, touching his traditional ornaments. Another heartwarming moment was when the Ooni jokingly asked his son to bid goodbye to his mother, Olori Naomi Silekunola, but the boy insisted he wanted to stay with his father instead.
