A surprise reunion between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his estranged wife, Prophetess Naomi, has ignited public interest and speculation about their relationship, as the former royal couple came together at the launch of the monarch’s new Ojaja Park project in Akure. The event, marked by a Night of Praise celebration, saw the presence of their son, Prince Tadenikawo, alongside the Ooni’s current wives, creating a momentous occasion that has set social media abuzz with commentary about the complex dynamics of their relationship.
The significance of this reunion cannot be understated, coming after their highly publicized separation in December 2022, when Prophetess Naomi announced the end of their three-year marriage through an Instagram statement. The event has particularly captured public attention due to circulating video footage showing intimate moments between the former couple, including scenes of the Ooni engaging in conversation with Naomi while she held their son.
This public appearance has sparked widespread discussion about the nature of their current relationship, with many observers noting the apparent warmth between the former couple. Social media has been flooded with interpretations of their interaction, with numerous commentators suggesting that the Ooni still harbors deep feelings for his former queen. Some observers have even pointed to the strategic location of the new project in Akure, Prophetess Naomi’s hometown, as evidence of the monarch’s continued regard for her.
The reunion comes against the backdrop of significant changes in the Ooni’s personal life. Following his separation from Naomi, the monarch married six wives – Olori Mariam, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips, Olori Ashley, Olori Ronke, and Olori Temitope – in quick succession over three months. This period of rapid marriages was later explained by the Ooni as being influenced by the traditional heritage of Ile Ife, despite his initial attempts to make changes to these customs.
Both parties have previously spoken about their separation. Prophetess Naomi recently addressed the impossibility of returning to the palace, citing the presence of the monarch’s six new wives as a primary factor. She reflected on her marriage experience, noting both sweet and bitter moments, and acknowledged her initial innocence upon entering the royal household. The Ooni, too, has been candid about the challenging period following their separation, revealing how he faced mockery for being a king without a queen and describing his solitary existence before his subsequent marriages.
The monarch’s life has seen significant developments since the separation, including the arrival of three children with his new wives – twins with Olori Tobi and a son with Olori Ashley. However, the public’s continued interest in his relationship with Prophetess Naomi suggests she holds a unique place in the narrative of his reign, particularly as the mother of Prince Tadenikawo.
Social media reactions to the reunion have been particularly telling, with many observers interpreting the interaction through various cultural and emotional lenses. Comments range from hopes for reconciliation to speculation about the deeper significance of the Ooni’s choice to build the Ojaja Park in Akure. Some observers have drawn parallels to traditional stories, with one commenter comparing Naomi to “Arolake,” suggesting she maintains a special place in the Ooni’s affections.
This reunion, while perhaps brief, has reignited public discourse about the nature of traditional monarchy in modern Nigeria, the complexities of royal relationships, and the enduring bonds that can persist even after formal separations. The event has demonstrated that despite the official end of their marriage and the Ooni’s subsequent unions, the connection between the monarch and Prophetess Naomi, particularly through their shared commitment to their son, continues to captivate public attention and spark discussion about the evolving nature of traditional institutions in contemporary society.
