Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, recently discussed the public attention he received. This occurred before his marriages. During the Ojaja University launch in Osun State, he recalled frequent questions. People often asked why he remained unmarried. They urged him to find a queen.
Early Challenges: The Ooni’s Marriage Journey
Even after his first marriage, the Ooni faced public scrutiny. Critics often questioned his attention towards his initial queen. He shared anecdotes from this period. “Kabiyesi, why are you single?” people would ask. “What is your problem? Find a queen now.” He explained that his first queen eventually departed. However, he later received divine blessings. These blessings included seven additional wives.
He humorously recounted finding another queen. “Then they commented on my constant appearances with her,” he stated. “That queen also left me.” Yet, he emphasized divine intervention. “God blessed me with seven more,” he affirmed. “Was that not an achievement?”
A Decade on the Throne: Coronation and Family
These comments occurred during his 10th coronation anniversary. The monarch also inaugurated Ojaja University at this event. Three of his present wives were in attendance. They are Olori Folasade, Olori Ronde, and Olori Temitope. They reacted with amusement and applause. Oba Ogunwusi also recalled his 2018 marriage. He wed Queen Silekunola Naomi. This union notably blended traditional royalty with Christian faith. However, the marriage concluded in 2021. Queen Naomi publicly announced their separation. This highlighted the monarch’s struggles. He faced balancing public expectations with private life. The Ooni’s frank statements highlight his journey. It moved from public scrutiny to forming a large royal family. This narrative unfolds during his first decade on the throne.
About the Author
