Royal Joy: Ooni of Ife, Olori Mariam Welcome Twins

It was a celebration of life and royal heritage in the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Friday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, announced the arrival of a set of twins with his first wife, Olori Mariam.

The monarch, who shared the news via his official social media platforms, expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty for the “wondrous works and abundant blessings” bestowed upon the House of Oduduwa. The arrival of the two princes has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from across the country, with many describing the birth as a significant addition to the royal lineage.

“Warmest congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and to Olori Mariam Ajibola on the joyous arrival of a prince and a prince to the royal throne of Oduduwa today,” the Ooni stated. He further assured well-wishers that both the mother and the newborn princes are in excellent health.

The birth of the twins marks another chapter in the Ooni’s expanding royal family. Following the dissolution of his marriage to Olori Naomi, the monarch had, in late 2022, married six wives in quick succession to uphold the traditional heritage of the Ile-Ife throne.

The newest arrivals follow the birth of twins earlier this year to Olori Tobi Phillips and a son to Olori Ashley. Despite the complexities of the modern royal court, the Ooni has consistently maintained that his decisions are guided by the ancestral requirements of the throne of his forefathers.

Palace sources indicate that traditional rites and celebrations are expected to follow in the coming days as the “Source” celebrates the arrival of the new princes.