Joy in the Palace of Ooni of Ife

“To be the father of a nation is a great honour, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy” –  Nelson Mandela.

If you understand the import of this quote by the former South African president, you will appreciate the joy Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi is currently experiencing. In fact, if a horse, as the Yoruba would say, could walk in the belly of the monarch, and his wife, Queen Ashley Afolashade, it would be without any difficulty.

The reason for the jubilation is not far-fetched. God has added a new addition to the household of the handsome monarch as his fourth wife, Olori Folashade, has given birth to their first child.  The tot was delivered at Princess Royal Hospital, London

Sharing the news on social media on Tuesday, the Ooni posted a picture of him and the new mother, with the caption, “To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Folashade, who today birthed a Prince from the mother side of Ooni Adagba Royal Compound of Lafogido Ruling House and father side of Ooni Agbedegbede Royal Compound of Giesi Ruling house, combined to the Royal throne of Oduduwa.

“Mother and child are doing well to the glory of God Almighty and in line with the spirits of our ancestors. #Otisese.” 

Also,  to say the mother of the new prince was so ecstatic is, to put it mildly, she was in seventh heaven and literally set social media on fire with her post on her Instagram handle.

Olori’s post also revealed that she had been previously pregnant with twins for the Ooni, but they lost them at 14 weeks. Her caption reads in part:

“I am happy to re-announce with my husband, Ooni Adimula Ife, the birth of our adorable prestigious royal son to the throne of our forebears, our CROWN PRINCE of the source of Oodua. Who we were blessed with and was born into this world today the 3rd of September 2024 at Princess Royal Hospital London United Kingdom. Even though the enemies tried in our relationship for about a decade, Olodumare has remained faithful in our lives.

Last year was a little dark as our twins gained their wings 14 weeks, but Olodumare remained faithful, he said what you need is a son to carry your forebears’ lineage, a double-crowned prince, now he has blessed us with our gorgeous son, who is not just a prince of the source but our crown  prince  from both sides of his parents.”