Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has candidly discussed the mockery he faced after the collapse of his marriage. The monarch noted that, despite the ridicule he encountered on social media for being a king without a queen, his current reality is vastly different, as his palace is now home to multiple queens.
In his reflections, Ooni shared that he often woke up alone and questioned God about the hardships he faced, asking what he had done to deserve such treatment. He claimed that God assured him to find peace, resulting in his present situation of having numerous queens in the palace.
“When my marriage ended and I became single, many mocked me, stating that a king without a queen lacks respect. I found myself alone and sought answers from God. He told me to find peace, and now I have queens all around me,” he explained.
In December 2022, Olori Naomi, his second wife, made headlines by announcing their three-year marriage’s end on Instagram. Recently, she stated that a return to the palace is not an option, given that the Ooni now has six wives. She reflected on their relationship, admitting that while there were happy moments, there were also challenges, and she has learned that life is more complicated than she initially believed.
After his split with Olori Naomi, the Ooni married six new wives—Olori Mariam, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips, Olori Ashley, Olori Ronke, and Olori Temitope—in just three months.
During his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary celebrations, the Ooni explained his decision to marry Mariam Anako and the others, citing the traditional customs of Ile Ife as a significant factor. He has welcomed three children with two of his new wives, including twins with Olori Tobi and a son with Olori Ashley.
