There was celebration in the ancient town of Ile-Ife on Friday as the Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi announced the birth of twin princes with one of his wives, Olori Mariam Ajibola.
The revered Yoruba monarch shared the news through a statement posted on his official Facebook page, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the good health of their mother.
The monarch described the birth as a blessing to the Royal House of Oduduwa and congratulated members of the royal family and the Yoruba community.
“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again,” the statement read.
“Warmest congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and to Olori Mariam Ajibola on the joyous arrival of twin princes to the royal throne of Oduduwa today.
“We give thanks to Almighty God as both mother and children are in good health.”
The announcement immediately drew reactions from traditional rulers, political leaders, celebrities and well-wishers across Nigeria, many of whom flooded social media with congratulatory messages to the royal family.
The birth of twins is highly celebrated in Yoruba culture, where twins are often regarded as a symbol of blessing, favour and prosperity. Among the Yoruba people, twins hold a special cultural and spiritual place, and families with twins are usually treated with admiration and respect.
Many Nigerians also see the birth of twin princes into the royal household as a significant moment for the ancient throne of Oduduwa, which remains one of the most respected traditional institutions in the country.
The Ooni of Ife is regarded as one of the foremost traditional rulers in Nigeria and across the Yoruba-speaking region of West Africa. Ile-Ife, located in present-day Osun State, is traditionally believed by the Yoruba people to be the ancestral and spiritual source of the Yoruba race.
Because of this historical importance, the Ooni is often seen not just as a traditional ruler but also as a custodian of Yoruba culture, tradition and unity.
Since ascending the throne in 2015, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has played active roles in promoting Yoruba culture, peace-building and national unity. The monarch has also become popular among younger Nigerians because of his modern style of leadership and active use of social media.
Over the years, the Ooni has attended several international and local events where he speaks on African culture, traditional institutions and youth development.
The monarch’s personal life, especially his marriages, has also remained a major topic of public discussion.
Before marrying Olori Mariam Ajibola, the Ooni was previously married to Olori Naomi, a prophetess and founder of an evangelical ministry. Their marriage attracted widespread public attention before it later ended in separation.
The end of the marriage generated intense reactions across social media and within traditional circles because many Nigerians had admired the couple during their time together.
Following the collapse of that union, the monarch surprised many people when he married several wives within a short period.
Reports at the time showed that the Ooni married six wives within about three months, a development that sparked debate among Nigerians about culture, royalty and polygamy.
However, supporters of the monarch argued that polygamy has long been part of traditional royal institutions in many African societies and should be understood within the context of culture and history.
Olori Mariam Ajibola, now the mother of the newborn princes, is among the wives who joined the royal household during that period.
Since becoming queen, she has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to some other members of the royal family. However, she has occasionally appeared alongside the monarch at official functions and cultural ceremonies.
The birth of the twin princes is expected to further strengthen celebrations within the palace and among traditional worshippers and cultural groups linked to the throne of Oduduwa.
In Yoruba history, royal births are often treated with great honour because they are seen as symbols of continuity for the royal lineage and traditional institution.
Palace sources and cultural observers say the arrival of the twins may lead to special traditional rites and celebrations in accordance with Yoruba customs.
Across many parts of Yorubaland, ceremonies connected to childbirth, especially the birth of twins, usually involve prayers, thanksgiving and cultural displays.
Friday’s announcement also renewed public attention on the growing influence of traditional rulers in Nigeria despite the country operating a democratic system of government.
Although traditional rulers do not hold constitutional political power, they remain highly influential in community affairs, cultural matters and conflict resolution.
In recent years, many Nigerian monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, have become more visible in national discussions on security, youth empowerment, investment and social development.
The Ooni himself has repeatedly called for unity among Yoruba people and cooperation between traditional institutions and government authorities.
For many residents of Ile-Ife, the birth of the princes is not only a family celebration but also a moment of pride for the ancient kingdom.
Social media platforms were filled with congratulatory messages shortly after the monarch made the announcement public. Many users prayed for the health and long life of the children while wishing peace and progress for the royal household.
As celebrations continue in the palace, many Nigerians are expected to keep following developments surrounding the royal family, which remains one of the country’s most closely watched traditional institutions.
For now, joy and excitement have taken over the ancient kingdom as the House of Oduduwa welcomes the newest princes to the throne.