Ooni of Ife announces birth of twin princes to wife Mariam Ajibola

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes to his wife, Mariam Ajibola, in Ile-Ife, describing the delivery as a long-awaited blessing after years of personal and public pressure over having children. The palace said the Ooni and the mother of the twins are in good health.

In a statement issued through the Oonis Palace media office, the monarch said he endured “years of emotional pain, public criticism and pressure” after ascending the throne, adding that some people mocked him during the difficult period. He made the remarks while receiving visitors who came to celebrate with him following the birth of the twins, which the palace framed as thanksgiving for what it called divine intervention. “I thank God today,” Oba Ogunwusi said, expressing gratitude to Olodumare and praying for the princes to grow in sound health, wisdom, peace and greatness.

The palace said Olori Mariam was ushered into the palace after brief rites at the entrance in 2022. It described her as having a background in the oil and gas sector. According to the statement, the delivery came after several years of marriage and was presented as a special blessing to the royal...