The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers, but it seems his heart may be the center of a sweet yet subtle rivalry among his wives. In a heartwarming turn of events, two of his queens—Olori Tobi Phillips and Queen Ashley—have taken to social media to shower him with affectionate tributes as the new month begins. While their gestures are lighthearted and celebratory on the surface, they have sparked conversations about the dynamics within the royal household.
Hours after Queen Ashley penned a heartfelt message detailing her love for the Ooni, Olori Tobi Phillips followed suit by posting an endearing tribute on her Instagram page. Sharing a nostalgic clip capturing cherished moments between herself and the king over the years, Olori Tobi made it clear that her celebration wasn’t tied to any special occasion like an anniversary or birthday. Instead, she chose to honor her husband simply because he makes an effort to keep up with her Gen Z slang and vibrant personality.
In her caption, she wrote, “Eyin TeMi e ba mi Ki Ade Mi, My King, My Darling Husband. No, it’s not my Sugar Daddy’s Birthday, and neither is it our Wedding Anniversary. It’s just me taking time to celebrate my Husband as he tries to catch up with my Gen Z slang and Extra self. Lol.”
Her words carried both humor and sincerity, revealing a playful side to their relationship while emphasizing its depth. She acknowledged that while they don’t always see eye-to-eye, their bond is genuine and built on mutual respect. “We may not agree 100% of the time, but best believe we are doing this thing for real!” she added, accompanied by a jovial tone that resonated with her followers.
Olori Tobi concluded her post with a lighthearted note: “Happy new month, Fam. PSA: ‘If you lack a sense of humor, just keep scrolling.’ Thanks.” Her ability to blend regality with relatability has earned her widespread admiration, making her tribute even more impactful.
Earlier in the day, Queen Ashley had set the stage for what appears to be a collective celebration of the Ooni’s character and dedication as a husband. Taking to her own platform, she shared intimate photographs of herself and the king, reflecting on the qualities that make her cherish him deeply. Her message was less about wit and more about heartfelt gratitude, as she listed several actions and traits of the Ooni that have solidified her devotion.
Queen Ashley spoke candidly about how the king consistently goes out of his way to show love and support, creating a foundation of trust and commitment in their marriage. Her tribute painted a picture of a man who is not only a revered monarch but also a devoted partner striving to nurture his relationships despite the demands of his royal duties.
Her words served as a reminder of the importance of appreciation in maintaining strong marital bonds. By highlighting specific acts of kindness and care from the Ooni, she underscored the idea that love thrives when nurtured through consistent effort and communication.
While both tributes were undoubtedly heartfelt, they also raised eyebrows regarding the perceived competition among the Ooni’s wives. With multiple queens in the royal household, it’s natural for observers to speculate about the nature of their relationships with each other and with the king. However, the public declarations of love suggest that rather than fostering animosity, these interactions might reflect a healthy desire to express individual admiration for their shared husband.
Olori Tobi’s mention of disagreements and Queen Ashley’s emphasis on dedication highlight the complexities of polygamous unions, where balancing individual connections with communal harmony can be challenging. Yet, their willingness to publicly celebrate the Ooni indicates a level of maturity and understanding that transcends jealousy or rivalry.
Moreover, their posts demonstrate the evolving roles of modern royal consorts. Unlike traditional portrayals of reserved and distant queen mothers, Olori Tobi and Queen Ashley embrace contemporary modes of expression, using social media to connect with the public and humanize their lives behind palace walls. This approach not only strengthens their personal brands but also enhances the image of the monarchy as a progressive institution rooted in tradition yet adaptable to changing times.
At the heart of these tributes lies the undeniable charisma and leadership of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Known for his efforts to promote peace, culture, and unity across Africa, the Ooni commands immense respect beyond his royal title. His ability to inspire such devotion from his wives speaks volumes about his character as a leader and a partner.
Both Olori Tobi and Queen Ashley highlighted aspects of the Ooni’s personality that extend beyond his ceremonial role. Whether it’s his attempt to engage with Gen Z slang or his thoughtful gestures toward his family, the king embodies a blend of authority and approachability. These qualities resonate not only with his immediate circle but also with the millions who look up to him as a cultural icon.
Their tributes also shine a spotlight on the emotional labor involved in being a royal consort. Balancing public responsibilities with private emotions requires resilience and adaptability. For Olori Tobi and Queen Ashley, celebrating the Ooni publicly serves as both an affirmation of their love and a testament to their ability to navigate the unique challenges of their positions.
Unsurprisingly, the tributes elicited mixed reactions from netizens. Many praised the queens for their openness and creativity, applauding their efforts to celebrate love in unconventional ways. Others, however, questioned whether the timing of the posts hinted at underlying tensions or a need for validation within the royal household.
Regardless of interpretations, the incident underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping narratives around prominent figures. Platforms like Instagram provide a window into the personal lives of celebrities and royals alike, allowing them to control their stories while engaging directly with their audience. For Olori Tobi and Queen Ashley, leveraging these tools enables them to project authenticity and foster deeper connections with their followers.
On a broader scale, their actions contribute to ongoing discussions about modern relationships and the portrayal of love in the digital age. By openly expressing affection and vulnerability, they challenge stereotypes and encourage others to prioritize meaningful communication in their own partnerships.
As the new month unfolds, the tributes from Olori Tobi Phillips and Queen Ashley serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of love and appreciation in strengthening bonds—whether within a royal household or everyday life. Their messages, though distinct in tone and style, converge on a shared theme: celebrating the Ooni not just as a king but as a loving husband committed to building lasting relationships.
While speculation about the dynamics among the Ooni’s wives will likely persist, their public displays of affection ultimately reinforce the values of unity, respect, and dedication. In doing so, they not only honor their husband but also inspire countless individuals to cherish and nurture the relationships that matter most.
