“How I endured years of pressure, mockery over childbirth delay” — Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has spoken about the emotional strain he endured over several years after ascending the throne.

Mr Ogunwusi, who ascended the throne in 2015, said he faced pressure and criticism over delays in having children.

He disclosed that while receiving guests who visited his palace in Ile-Ife to celebrate the birth of his twins, according to a statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.

The guests included members of the Ife Muslim Community and the Hausa Community, traditional rulers from the Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State under the Origbo Meje Obas, members of the Giesi Ruling House, the Ile-Opa family, businessmen, and other dignitaries.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that he recently welcomed twins with Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, whom he married in 2022, 10 months after his former wife, Naomi Silekunola, left.

“The Ooni further disclosed that after ascending the throne, he endured years of emotional pain, public criticism, and pressure due to delays in having children.

“He added that some people openly mocked him during the difficult period. I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do”, his aide quoted him as saying.

Mr Ogunwusi expressed gratitude to God following the birth of his twins and thanked visitors for their prayers, love, and unwavering support.

He said his life journey was marked by unexpected challenges and complexities, particularly after he ascended the throne.

He also revealed that he never envisioned having multiple wives as a child.

According to him, circumstances and the traditional responsibilities attached to the throne altered the course of his marital life.

Mr Ogunwusi further disclosed that he came under intense pressure shortly after becoming the king to settle into royal marital expectations quickly, adding that efforts were made to persuade his former wife to relocate to Ile-Ife.

He said several prominent traditional rulers and influential individuals intervened in the matter, but the arrangement ultimately did not materialise.

Reflecting on his early life, he disclosed that he became a father at 19 and described the experience as one of the most difficult phases of his life.

Mr Ogunwusi said the responsibility initially overwhelmed him, but noted that his mother played a key role in encouraging him to stay focused, work hard, and remain determined.

He also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support and encouragement over the years.

He described her as a mother figure who stood firmly by him during trying times.

Speaking on behalf of the well-wishers, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said the community and other guests visited to rejoice with the Ooni.

He added that they came to celebrate the divine blessing bestowed on the palace.

“We have come to rejoice with Kabiyesi. It is God who makes a person laugh when he laughs. God created everything, and childbirth comes only by his command. Kabiyesi, this is worthy of thanking God for,” he noted.