The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said he faced questions over his fertility before becoming king, telling a crowd in his palace that people told him to his face he could not impregnate a woman.
Speaking in a viral video during the welcome of his newborn twin sons, the monarch said Ife tradition requires the Ooni to have a wife and child, and that it is considered an abomination to make a eunuch king.
He said when the throne process advanced, he was asked to present his wife and child. At the time, he said his wife lived abroad and his marriage had issues. He said he and his family, including some monarchs and notable figures, begged the woman to return, but she refused, citing fears for her safety. The issue led to a postponement until the government announced his appointment.
The Ooni said having children became another challenge after he ascended the throne, as tradition required him to produce an “omo ori ite” – a crown heir. He said he eventually had a child, and later welcomed more children, including sets of twins.
He also recalled impregnating a girl at age 19 while at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He said his late mother intervened with the girl’s family and insisted he take responsibility.
The monarch said he now tells his story to encourage others, adding that he was naturally shy and never expected to have multiple wives.
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