The Palace Reacts to Reports The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 is Remarrying For the Third Time
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 has been in the news of late for planning to get married the third time (read here).
People think that it was necessary for the king to re-marry since he is officially divorced from his last wife, former Olori Zaynab Wuraola Ogunwusi (Zaynab-Otiti Obanor) whom he married shortly after attaining the throne.
The union lasted for 17 months before finally hitting the rocks in August, 2017. The elders in Zaynab’s family were said to have also returned the bride price paid to them by the king so that they could both move on.
In a viral report over the weekend, the 1st class Yoruba monarch was said to be ready to marry a new wife.
Speculations were rife that the king is linked to one Temitope Adesegun (pictured above), the co-convener of Hope Alive. It was also rumoured that they were set to tie the knot.
READ ALSO: REVEALED! What Led to the Crash of Ooni of Ife’s 17-Month-Old Marriage to Olori Wuraola
The palace of the Ooni has however reacted to the rumour and instantly put the record straight on the position of the king on a new wife.
Addressing the rumour, Jide Fadairo, a prince and CEO, House of Oduduwa Foundation, said in a statement made available to journalists that:
”Ooni’s marriage cannot be done secretly. It involves not only the royal family, it involves Yoruba custom and a lot of elders and our tradition are to be taken into cognisance. Please dismiss the story, it is another fake news.”
Speaking further, Fadairo said the monarch is engrossed with the renaissance of Yoruba culture and promotion of the race’s customs and traditions globally.
READ ALSO: ”At the age of 19, I fathered a child.” Ooni of Ife Reveals While Addressing Corps Members
Fadairo, who is married to the king’s elder sister, Princess Folasade revealed that the king will not rush into taking a new wife.
“That’s not on His Imperial Majesty’s mind. Marriage is not something he wants to do right away. Many names have been bandied around but I can tell you they are all false, just like this case.”
Another confidant and friend of the Ooni, Mr. Muyiwa Leroy Afolabi said, ”Kabiyesi will carry every Ile-Ife sons and daughters along whenever it’s time to pick another Olori (Queen) for us.”