The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has officially denied the claims made by a man who asserted that he was the monarch’s son.
An official statement from the palace spokesperson, Moses Olafare and sent to NewsNow on Thursday, stated that the individual in the viral video was involved in an act of impersonation.
The matter has been reported to the appropriate security agencies for further action, as confirmed by Olafare.
The palace spokesperson emphasized that the monarch, as a responsible father and guardian of tradition, recognizes and acknowledges all his children, and is prepared to take full responsibility for them.
In the statement, it was noted, “Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating online featuring an adult who claims to be a son of our father, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, the Ooni of Ife.
“The individual in question was not known to the palace or the community of Ile-Ife.
“He has no relation to Ooni Ogunwusi as he fraudulently alleges, and is not connected to the Ogunwusi royal family or the Giesi royal compound of Ile-Ife in any way.
“We strongly condemn and reject this disgraceful act of impersonation in the strongest terms.
“It is important to clarify that the Ooni of Ife, in his capacity as a responsible father and custodian of tradition, is aware of and acknowledges all his children, regardless of their location.”
The palace also listed all the children of the traditional ruler and provided details about their current locations.
“As all the children of the Ooni are well-known to the palace and the people of Ile-Ife, the eldest child is Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, who holds a Master’s degree and resides in Canada. Following her is Princess Adewamiwa Ogunwusi, who recently moved to Dublin, Ireland, for further education after completing her secondary schooling in Nigeria three years ago.
“Princess Adesewa is thriving, Prince Tadenikawo Ogunwusi is known to be with his mother, in good health, and the newborn twins, Prince Adebisi Kehinde and Princess Taiwo Adeayo, are due to make their ceremonial entry into the palace soon, following the customs and traditions of the Ife palace,” the statement revealed.
Condemning the deceptive acts of impersonation aimed at exploiting the revered position of the Ooni of Ife for personal gain, the palace highlighted that such actions are not only sacrilegious but also criminal.
“Impersonating any member of the royal family is an offense against the sanctity of the palace and its heritage.
“The palace is committed to pursuing the individual behind this crime through all available means to ensure that they face legal consequences as a deterrent. We call on the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrator to justice promptly,” it was further stated.
Any individuals with relevant information about the impersonator are urged to come forward to the palace or the police.
“We urge the impersonator to cease from participating in or endorsing such deceitful activities.
“The House of Oduduwa is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine or tarnish its legacy through fraudulent practices,” the statement concluded.