By Adetutu Audu
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has officially unveiled the traditional names of his newborn princess at a colourful naming ceremony held at the ancient Emese Court within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The ceremony took place on Sunday, 9 August, 2026 evening, exactly one week after the safe delivery of the royal baby girl by the Ooni’s wife, Queen Oluwatosin Ogunwusi, marking the princess’s formal induction into the House of Oduduwa.
It brought together traditional rulers, palace chiefs, custodians of Yoruba culture, family members, dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country.
A statement by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, described the event as a moment of joy and thanksgiving for the royal household and the people of Ile-Ife.
The ceremony featured displays of Yoruba culture and tradition, prayers, royal blessings and symbolic rites performed in line with the customs of Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba race.
Custodians of various deities, known as Oba Isoro, played prominent roles alongside Obas and distinguished Ife High Chiefs.
During the rites, prayers were offered for the princess using symbolic items including sugarcane, aadun, honey, dried fish, money, pen, bitter kola, kola nuts, alligator pepper, snails, schnapps, water, palm oil and doves. The custodians said the items symbolised wishes for sweetness, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, abundance, peace, knowledge, fertility, divine protection and honour.
The Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, formally announced the princess’s names with the Ooni’s approval. She was named Adelewa, Adeyele, Adeshikemi and Ayoade, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The Lowa Adimula offered prayers for the royal baby, asking Olodumare for wisdom, sound health, strength and long life, and congratulated the Ooni and Queen Oluwatosin on the historic addition to the royal household.
In his remarks, the Ooni, who is also Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Olodumare for the gift of new life, attributing the safe delivery to divine grace and thanking God for preserving mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.
He said the birth was a source of joy for the royal family and the entire Yoruba race, praying that the princess would flourish in wisdom, grace, honour and sound health, with her life defined by purpose, service and a strong connection to Yoruba heritage.
He further prayed for the preservation of the royal household and the House of Oduduwa, seeking peace, unity and progress for the kingdom, and thanked traditional rulers, chiefs and well-wishers who joined the celebration.
