Many Nigerians, at home and abroad, were shocked and dismayed when Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, announced during the week that she will be seeking divorce from her husband.
In very clear and unambiguous language, she told the world that the chapter of her life that has to do with the Ooni and the Ife throne was closed. She announced her son, Prince Tadenikawo, as the only memory about her marriage to the monarch that she will treasure going forward.
Silekunola made her disclosure on Thursday, December 23, through a post on her Instagram page. She said she will no longer be referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as Queen of Ile-Ife but as “Queen of the People and mother of my adorable Prince.”
The Queen also recalled how she tried very hard to make her marriage work and smiled through the struggle, but had to resign to fate when it dawned on her that her son was her only assignment.
“I bless the Lord almighty for His faithfulness in the last three years of my marriage. In life’s journey, it isn’t how far. Still, how well, indeed though satan should buffet if trials should come, I have this blessed assurance controlling all situations and saying to me it is well with my soul. Certainly, it is well. I made my journey into the ancient throne of Ife with faith in my heart and love for the keeper of it.
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“I did my best to endure and make it work; many times, I smiled through the struggle; but I have finally realised I had just one assignment, my son, and when God is done, He is done. He chose Saul to be king, and when He was done, He told the prophet Samuel I have moved on. Religion was never an issue between us; please refer to my interview on News Central TV. Instead, His Majesty has a picture he would love the world to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self.
“Today I announce the beginning of a new dawn and the close of a chapter. Today, I am a mother to God’s unique gift. I am no longer a slave to my thoughts of perfection,” the estranged Olori wrote. Her departure from the palace, if it finally becomes confirmed, will not be the first since Oba Ogunwusi ascended the throne. In 2017, the then Queen of Ife, Olori Wuraola Otiti, stormed out of the palace in similar fashion. Some analysts have even observed some similarities in the statement she released back then and the one Olori Silekunola issued last Thursday.
“What I can confirm is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude. My journey continues as a Humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence and abuse with the United Nations. No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence and manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies: Get out and seek immediate help!
