The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his estranged wife, Prophetess Naomi, have sparked conversations as they reunited with their son, Prince Tadenikawo, during a recent event in Akure.
Ooni celebrated the opening of another landmark project, Ojaja Park, and hosted a Night of Praise. To the surprise of many, Prophetess Naomi, Prince Tadenikawo, and other wives of the monarch were present. In a widely shared clip, the Ooni is seen speaking to Naomi as she held their son, sparking reactions online.
Social media users quickly speculated about the lingering bond between the Ooni and Naomi. Comments like “He is still in love with her” and “I wish they come back” reflected the sentiments of many observers. Some even suggested that the King’s actions, like building the park in Akure, were gestures of affection toward Naomi.
In December 2022, Naomi had announced the end of her three-year marriage to the Ooni via Instagram. She recently reiterated her stance on not returning to the palace, citing the King’s current marital status with six wives. Reflecting on her experience, Naomi described how she entered the marriage naively and emphasized the life lessons she has since learned.
Ooni also opened up about his challenges following their split. In October, he shared that he endured loneliness and public criticism, which eventually led him to marry six wives: Olori Mariam, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips, Olori Ashley, Olori Ronke, and Olori Temitope. He explained that these marriages were in line with the traditional customs of Ile Ife. Notably, the King has welcomed three children with two of his new wives, including twins with Olori Tobi and a son with Olori Ashley.
The reunion in Akure has undoubtedly rekindled discussions about the enduring connection between the Ooni and Naomi, and whether reconciliation is possible.
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