Royal Celebration as Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley Welcome Son, Prince Ademakinwa to Palace

Royal Celebration as Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley Welcome Son, Prince Ademakinwa to Palace



The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive with regal splendor today, Friday, February 7, 2025, as the Ile Oodua Palace buzzed with joy and celebration as His Imperial Majesty, the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and his queen, Yeye Omi Oodua, Olori Ashley Afolasade Ogunwusi, formally welcomed their newborn son, Prince Ademakinwa, in a grand homecoming ceremony. 

Traditional rulers, dignitaries, and well-wishers gathered in their numbers to witness this historic moment, marking the arrival of a true heir to the throne of Oduduwa.

Prince Ademakinwa’s birth on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Princess Royal Hospital in London, United Kingdom, was initially announced by the Ooni on his official Instagram page. The monarch expressed his gratitude to God for blessing the royal household with the Crown Prince, who carries the rich heritage of both the Ooni Adagba Royal Compound of the Lafogido Ruling House and the Ooni Agbedegbede Royal Compound of the Giesi Ruling House.

His homecoming today solidifies his place in the royal lineage, uniting two of the four ruling houses of Ile-Ife.

The joyous event at the palace featured traditional rites and cultural displays, befitting the arrival of a prince of the source. Palace drummers, chanters, and dancers filled the air with the sounds of ancient Yoruba praise poetry, welcoming the newborn with chants.

Elders of the kingdom, custodians of tradition, and esteemed royal family members offered prayers for the prince’s long life, wisdom, and strength to uphold the great legacy of his forefathers.

For Olori Ashley, this occasion was deeply emotional and symbolic. The queen, who has been married to the Ooni since October 15, 2022, revealed that she previously suffered the loss of a set of twins in 2023. 

In her announcement, she expressed profound gratitude to Olodumare for blessing her with a son, calling him the “Crown Prince from both sides of the parents.” Her resilience and faith were evident as she spoke about the trials she faced, which made this moment even more special.

As a proud mother, Olori Ashley reflected on the historic significance of her son's birth. She highlighted that he is not just a prince of the Giesi Ruling House but also of the Lafogido Ruling House.

"History has repeated itself on me and our beloved son, the Crown Prince of the source of Oodua," she declared in her heartfelt message of gratitude. This dual lineage further cements his standing as a direct descendant of the sacred throne of Oduduwa.

With his growing royal household, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi continues to uphold the sacred traditions of the Ife Kingdom, preserving the Yoruba heritage while embracing modernity. The birth of another prince signifies the continuity of the royal dynasty and reinforces the deep-rooted traditions of the ancient kingdom.

Olori Ashley, a distinguished leader in her own right, holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Greenwich and is a chartered accountant. She is also the founder of the Ashley Adegoke Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and widows. Her marriage to the Ooni further strengthened her commitment to cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts, making her an influential figure within and beyond the palace.

The grand homecoming of Prince Ademakinwa stands as a moment of unity and joy for the entire House of Oduduwa. As the young prince begins his journey in the royal lineage, well-wishers from all over the world continue to send their congratulations, prayers, and best wishes. The palace, a symbol of Yoruba heritage and tradition, remains a beacon of hope and continuity for generations to come.

With the celebration in full swing, Ile-Ife remains agog with festivities, as the people rejoice over the birth of a prince who represents the past, present, and future of the sacred throne. The echoes of praise and jubilation are a testament to the deep reverence for the Ooni’s legacy and the enduring strength of the Yoruba people’s royal heritage.

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