Encomium
Since the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi ascended the throne of his forefathers in December 2015, not much has been made public about his private life, including his marital status.
However, it’s no longer news that Oba Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11) is married to Princess Adebukola Adebisi but the tale at the moment is that the marriage had crashed due to irreconcilable differences. Not only that, Adebukola, who was sighted beside the new oba as his queen (Olori) during his coronation on December 7, 2015, had reportedly refused to move into the palace with him. She was said to have relocated abroad shortly after the coronation.
This, ENCOMIUM Weekly learnt hastened the decision of Oba Ogunwusi to shop for a replacement as it’s strictly against the tradition for a king to live in the palace without the olori (queen).
However, a couple of days back, news broke that the young and handsome Oba Ogunwusi has found a new love in another pretty princess, Wuraola Otiti Zynab Obanor from Benin, Edo State, and that very soon, the new paramount ruler of Ife Kingdom will walk down the aisle with the new queen in a royal way.
This, however, has laid to rest the speculations of Oba Ogunwusi’s alleged romance with another princess from Ife, Ronke Ademiluyi, who is based in Lagos.
However, ENCOMIUM Weekly’s efforts to seek the reaction of Oba Ogunwusi via his spokesperson. Mr. Moses, on the tale failed completely as his mobile phone couldn’t be reached. We also sent him a text which didn’t deliver till we went to press.
However, an impeccable source from the palace who confided in ENCOMIUM Weekly confirmed that the wealthy monarch has truly unveiled a new queen whom he’s set to tie the nuptial knot with.
“Truly, Oba Ogunwusi has found a new lady, Wuraola Otiti who will soon assume the status of an olori in the life of Kabiyesi. The woman is from Benin, Edo state but her family is based in Ife, Osun state.
“The marriage rites have almost been completed. In a matter of weeks, they will formalize the whole thing.
“I don’t think Oba Ogunwusi marrying a new wife should be an issue. After, all, all other obas who are even older than him by far married more than one wife. For example, the immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade (Olubuse II) married a new olori few years to his death. And recently, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi unveiled four new queens. So, why the noise about Oba Ogunwusi?
“People should remember that Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is still very young. He is in his early 40s and very rich. If he doesn’t marry a new wife now, when is he supposed to do so? That’s what the tradition supports. Even there is likelihood of him marrying more as he progresses in his reign. Obas, generally are not restricted to one wife.”
On the issue of whether the monarch had called it quits with his first wife, Adebukola Adebisi, the source declined comment.
“The issue of whether his first marriage has collapsed is what I can’t comment on. All I know is that very soon, Oba Ogunwusi is taking a new wife who will be accompanying him to social functions and all other official places as new olori.
Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has a daughter, 21 year-old Adeola.
-TADE ASIFAT
