The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has shared candid insights into the public scrutiny and pressures he endured regarding his marital life before and after ascending the throne. The monarch, known for his engaging personality and philanthropic work, spoke openly during the launch of his Ojaja University in Osun State, reflecting on the challenges of balancing traditional expectations with personal decisions.
Addressing a large audience at the university inauguration, the Ooni recounted the persistent questions he faced about his marital status. He explained that many people frequently wondered why he remained single for so long, often urging him to find a queen. This public scrutiny, he said, created a mix of pressure and expectation that he had to navigate carefully as both a leader and an individual.
Ooni reflects on early criticism and first marriage
He recounted that even after eventually marrying, he faced criticism about the attention and affection he gave to his first queen. “Some of them used to make fun of me that, ‘Kabiyesi, why are you single? What is your problem? Go and look for a queen now,’” he said, describing how public commentary often influenced perceptions of his private life. The Ooni highlighted the delicate balance between fulfilling traditional obligations and maintaining personal agency in his marital choices.
The monarch revealed that his first queen eventually left him, which he described as a challenging period in his personal life. However, he emphasized that through God’s grace, he was later blessed with seven more wives, marking a turning point that allowed him to expand his royal family while maintaining harmony in his household. “Eventually I got another queen by force by fire. Then they said, ‘You are always going around with this queen. The queen left me. To the glory of God, God blessed me with seven more. Did I not try?’” he reflected, highlighting both the resilience required and the divine blessing he attributes to his growing family.
Celebrating coronation and family achievements
The Ooni made these remarks during the 10th anniversary celebrations of his coronation, a milestone that coincided with the inauguration of Ojaja University. The event was attended by three of his current wives, Olori Folasade, Olori Ronde, and Olori Temitope, who responded with laughter, applause, and visible support as he recounted his experiences. Their presence underscored the unity and strength of his family despite public scrutiny over the years.
Oba Ogunwusi also reflected on his 2018 marriage to Queen Silekunola Naomi, a union that drew significant public attention for combining elements of traditional Yoruba royalty with Christian spiritual practice. That marriage concluded in 2021 when Queen Naomi publicly announced their separation, further highlighting the challenges of balancing public expectations with personal and familial life. The Ooni’s transparency about this period demonstrates his willingness to acknowledge both personal trials and public pressures openly.
The Ooni’s candid account underscores the journey he has undertaken from enduring public criticism to establishing a large and harmonious royal household. It also emphasizes his dedication to his cultural role, his family, and his community, as he marked a decade on the throne while celebrating significant achievements, including the launch of Ojaja University, which aims to advance educational opportunities in the region.