Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo and her daughter Priscilla have secured a significant royal endorsement for the upcoming wedding celebration as they personally delivered an invitation to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The monarch has accepted the prestigious role of “Royal Father of the Day” for the traditional ceremony scheduled for April 17, 2025.
In footage shared on Iyabo Ojo’s Instagram page, the mother-daughter duo is seen visiting the revered traditional ruler at his palace. The video captures a culturally significant moment as Priscilla observes traditional protocol, kneeling before the Ooni while presenting him with the wedding invitation. This gesture of respect aligns with Yoruba customs regarding interactions with traditional monarchs.
Iyabo Ojo expressed her delight at securing the royal blessing in her caption: “When the Revered Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Royal father of the day, lends his Royal Endorsement to your Wedding, know that your Marriage is truly Blessed! Long live our King.”
The wedding between Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian musician Juma Jux has been generating significant attention across social media platforms since the couple announced their engagement earlier this year. Their love story has captivated fans across Africa, representing a union that bridges Nigerian and Tanzanian cultures.
Recently, the couple revealed details about their traditional wedding ceremony, sharing that the celebration will follow Yoruba customs. In their joint announcement about the wedding date, the couple expressed their commitment with the romantic declaration that they are “two hearts united as one soul with the mission ‘forever’.
The Ooni of Ife’s involvement adds a significant dimension of cultural prestige to the celebration. As one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi occupies the throne that is widely recognized as the traditional seat of Yoruba people’s ancestry. His blessing carries immense cultural significance, particularly for a wedding conducted according to Yoruba traditions.
Cultural commentators note that having the Ooni serve as “Royal Father of the Day” elevates the wedding beyond a mere celebrity event to one with deeper cultural significance. The role typically involves the royal father offering prayers and blessings for the union, providing guidance to the couple, and lending his presence as a symbol of cultural authentication and approval.
This is more than just a celebrity getting a high-profile guest,” explains cultural anthropologist Dr. Foluke Adebayo. In Yoruba tradition, having a monarch of the Ooni’s stature bless a marriage carries profound meaning. It connects the couple to centuries of cultural heritage and places their union within the continuing story of Yoruba civilization.
For Iyabo Ojo, securing the Ooni’s presence represents another milestone in what has been a meticulously planned celebration for her only daughter. The actress, who has been transparent about her close relationship with Priscilla throughout her career, appears determined to create a memorable wedding experience that honors their Yoruba heritage.
Priscilla Ojo, who has built her own significant following as a social media influencer and entrepreneur, has been sharing glimpses of her wedding preparations with her millions of followers. Her relationship with Juma Jux first became public knowledge last year, with the couple making several appearances together before announcing their engagement.
Juma Jux, whose real name is Juma Mussa, has established himself as one of East Africa’s most recognizable musical artists. His willingness to embrace Nigerian wedding traditions demonstrates the cross-cultural nature of their relationship, which fans have celebrated as representing pan-African unity.
The wedding preparations have reportedly involved extensive planning, with sources close to the family suggesting that no expense is being spared for the celebration. Industry insiders report that several other celebrities are expected to attend the ceremony, making it one of the most anticipated social events in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar this year.
Social media reactions to the Ooni’s involvement have been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters noting the cultural significance of his participation. This is how you honor your roots,” wrote one Instagram user, while another commented, “Getting the Ooni’s blessing is everything for a proper Yoruba wedding.
The traditional ceremony on April 17 is expected to showcase elaborate Yoruba wedding customs, including the “aso-ebi” (family cloth) tradition where guests wear coordinated outfits, the symbolic prostration of the groom and his family before the bride’s family, and the prayer and blessing ceremonies that are central to Yoruba matrimonial traditions.
For many observers, the incorporation of these cultural elements, culminating in the Ooni’s participation, represents a conscious effort by the celebrity family to center Nigerian cultural heritage in what could otherwise have been a more westernized celebration.
Entertainment analyst Chijioke Onyema notes: “We’re seeing more celebrities embrace traditional wedding elements with the same enthusiasm they might have previously reserved for white weddings. Iyabo Ojo is making a statement about the importance of cultural continuity even within the context of an international, cross-cultural marriage.
As the wedding date approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans and followers of both families. The presence of the Ooni is expected to attract even greater media attention to the event, potentially making it one of the most documented celebrity weddings in recent Nigerian history.
With preparations now entering their final stages, the involvement of such a significant traditional figure suggests that Priscilla and Juma’s union will be remembered not just as a celebrity wedding, but as a culturally significant event that honors the rich heritage of Yoruba marriage traditions while embracing the cross-cultural nature of their relationship.
