The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has opened up on his marital experiences, emotional struggles, and journey to fatherhood following the birth of twin princes with his wife, Mariam Ogunwusi.
The monarch spoke during a gathering at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, when people visited to celebrate the arrival of the newborn princes.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the monarch expressed gratitude to God for the royal blessing and appreciated the visitors for their prayers and support.
The Ooni disclosed that his life journey had been filled with several unexpected challenges, especially after ascending the throne of Oduduwa.
According to him, he never imagined having many wives while growing up, but the realities and traditional responsibilities attached to the throne later altered the course of his marital life.
The monarch further revealed that shortly after becoming the Ooni, he came under pressure to settle into royal marital responsibilities, adding that several respected traditional rulers and influential personalities made efforts to persuade his former wife to relocate to Ile-Ife, although the arrangement eventually failed.
Reflecting on his early years, the monarch disclosed that he became a father at the age of 19, describing the experience as one of the most difficult periods of his life.
He stated that the development initially overwhelmed him, but his mother encouraged him to remain focused, hardworking, and determined despite the challenges.
The traditional ruler also recounted how he faced years of emotional pain, criticism, and public pressure after ascending the throne due to delays in having children.
According to him, some people openly mocked him during the difficult period, but he remained hopeful and prayerful.
The Ooni, however, expressed gratitude to God over the birth of the twin princes, declaring that nothing is impossible for God to do.
He also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and encouragement over the years, describing her as a mother figure who stood by him during challenging moments.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said members of the Muslim community and other well-wishers visited the palace to rejoice with the monarch over what he described as a divine blessing.
The cleric stated that childbirth comes only by the grace of God, adding that the birth of the twin princes was a moment worthy of thanksgiving and celebration.