I Became a Father at 19, Never Envisaged Marrying Many Wives — Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has revealed that he became a father at the age of 19 and never imagined that he would eventually marry many wives, saying the realities and traditional demands of the throne changed the course of his life.

The Osun State monarch made the disclosure while receiving visitors who came to celebrate with him following the birth of twin princes by one of his wives, Queen Mariam Ogunwusi.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the monarch recounted the emotional struggles, public criticism, and pressure he faced over delays in having children after ascending the throne.

The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to God for the birth of the twins, describing the development as a testimony to divine intervention.

“I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do,” the Ooni said while addressing the visitors.

Oba Ogunwusi disclosed that despite becoming a father at a young age, he encountered fresh challenges after becoming the Ooni of Ife, especially regarding expectations surrounding his family life and royal responsibilities.

Reflecting on his early years, the monarch described becoming a father at 19 as one of the most difficult periods of his life, noting that the experience initially overwhelmed him.

According to him, his mother played a vital role in encouraging him to stay focused, hardworking, and determined despite the circumstances.

The monarch further stated that he never envisioned marrying several wives while growing up, but explained that the realities associated with the throne of Oduduwa eventually altered his marital journey.

He noted that shortly after ascending the throne, he came under intense pressure to quickly settle into royal marital responsibilities.

The Ooni also revealed that efforts were made at the time to persuade his former wife, Naomi Silekunola, to relocate to Ile-Ife, adding that several prominent traditional rulers and influential personalities intervened, but the move did not materialise.

Oba Ogunwusi recently welcomed twins with Mariam Ogunwusi, whom he married in 2022, about 10 months after Naomi Silekunola left the palace.

The monarch also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and encouragement over the years, describing her as a mother figure who stood firmly by him during difficult moments.