OONI OF IFE REFLECTS ON OVERCOMING PUBLIC RIDICULE AFTER DIVORCE: SAYS PEOPLE MOCKED ME, NOW MY PALACE IS FILLED WITH QUEENS" – Ooni of Ife Opens Up, Shares His Conversation with God

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, recently reflected on the public scrutiny he faced after his marriage ended, making him a target for ridicule, particularly online.

The revered monarch revealed that when his marriage broke down, leaving him single, many people mocked him, saying that a king without a queen lacked respect. He shared how he felt alone, both in his waking and sleeping moments, which led him to question God, asking why this was happening to him, as he believed he had done no harm to anyone.

Ooni recounted that during this challenging period, God reassured him to remain calm. Fast forward to the present, he now has multiple queens in his palace.

“When my marriage broke and I became single, many people mocked me, saying there is no respect for a king without a queen. I was sleeping and waking up alone. I called on God and asked, 'Who did I offend? I’ve never done evil to anyone.' He told me to be at peace. Now, look at me today—there are queens everywhere in the palace," the Ooni shared.

In December 2022, Olori Naomi, the monarch's second wife, shocked many by announcing the end of her three-year marriage to the Ooni in a public statement on her Instagram page.

Recently, while reflecting on her decision, Olori Naomi, mother of the crowned prince, Tadenikawo, confirmed that she has no plans of returning to the palace, citing the fact that the Ooni now has six wives. Although she cherished the sweet moments in her marriage, she also acknowledged the bitter ones. She explained that she was too innocent and soft when she first married the king, but has since learned that life doesn't work that way.

Following the end of their marriage, the Ooni moved forward, marrying six wives: Olori Mariam, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips, Olori Ashley, Olori Ronke, and Olori Temitope, all within a span of three months.

During the celebration of his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the Ooni explained the reason behind his multiple marriages, particularly his union with Mariam Anako and the others. He clarified that, despite his efforts to make changes, he was bound by the traditional heritage of Ile-Ife, which required him to take multiple wives.

Since then, the Ooni has welcomed three children with two of his new wives—twins with Olori Tobi earlier this year and a son with Olori Ashley.