Monarch reveals identity of newly born royal daughter

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, formally revealed the names of his newborn daughter during a vibrant traditional naming ceremony at the historic Emese Court within the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, which was attended by numerous dignitaries.

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This joyous event took place on Sunday evening, exactly one week after the Ooni's wife, Queen Oluwatosin Ogunwusi, gave birth to the royal baby girl, marking a significant occasion for the royal family and the wider community.

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A diverse range of guests, including traditional rulers, palace chiefs, custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, members of the royal family, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the country, gathered to celebrate the newborn's arrival and participate in the traditional rites.

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These time-honoured customs, which featured prayers, royal blessings, and symbolic Yoruba practices, were performed to officially welcome the newborn into the revered House of Oduduwa and bestow upon her the riches of Yoruba heritage.

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The princess was given the names Adelewa, Adeyele, Adeshikemi, and Ayoade, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, which were formally announced by the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, with the Ooni's approval, marking a significant milestone in the young princess's life.

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As the Lowa Adimula offered prayers for the newborn, he asked Olodumare to grant the princess wisdom, sound health, strength, grace, and long life, as well as the ability to grow into a worthy representative of the royal dynasty and ambassador of the Yoruba race.

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The traditional ceremony incorporated a variety of symbolic items, including sugarcane, Aadun, honey, dried fish, money, pen, bitter kola, kola nuts, alligator pepper, snails, schnapps, water, palm oil, and doves, each representing different prayers and wishes for the newborn's life.

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According to traditional custodians, these items symbolized desires for sweetness, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, abundance, peace, knowledge, fertility, divine protection, and a life of honour, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the hopes for the princess's future.

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The Lowa Adimula expressed his gratitude to Olodumare for the safe arrival of the princess, describing the birth as a momentous occasion for the Ooni's Palace, Ile-Ife, and the wider Yoruba race, and congratulating the Ooni and Queen Oluwatosin on this joyful occasion.

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The Ooni, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to Olodumare for the precious gift of new life and the divine blessing bestowed upon the House of Oduduwa, attributing the safe delivery of the royal baby to the unfailing grace and faithfulness of Olodumare.

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The monarch noted that the birth was a source of immense happiness not only to the royal family but also to the people of Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race, and prayed that the princess would flourish in wisdom, grace, honour, sound health, and divine favour.

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The Ooni further prayed that the princess's life would be defined by purpose, service, excellence, and a strong connection to the rich heritage of the Yoruba people, and sought enduring peace, unity, prosperity, and progress for the ancient kingdom.

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The monarch also thanked the numerous traditional rulers, palace chiefs, family members, friends, and well-wishers who joined the royal household to celebrate the arrival of the princess and offered prayers and goodwill, acknowledging their love and support during this special time.