The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, first saw the divorce
notice by his estranged wife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, on social media, one
of his aides told our correspondent.
According to the aide, Ooni slept with the mindset of
rejoining the ongoing musical programme, ‘Memorable Moments With Music’,
expected to end today.
The aide, who pleaded anonymity, said though there had been
issues with Prophetess Naomi Silekunola and Ooni, the palace never expected
such to lead to “a divorce that will first be heard on social media”.
He noted that many of Ooni’s aides believed that the
misunderstanding between the monarch and his wife had been resolved before the
notice surfaced online.
He said, “It was shocking to all of us. We slept very late
yesterday trying to ensure that the grand finale of the ‘Memorable Moments With
Music’ goes well today in Lagos.
“All of a sudden, we just saw the news that Olori has
divorced Ooni. We couldn’t even tell him (Ooni) but he already saw the news
first on social media and started receiving calls.
“He told one of the chiefs that he was surprised to see the
divorce notice on social media. I am not sure he wants the queen to go.
“Even Moses (Olafare) – Ooni’s Chief Press Secretary –
initially denied the news when journalists called him. He thought it was fake
news. We sincerely thought the issues had been resolved. It’s painful.”
When asked if Ooni will still attend the music programme, he
replied, “doubtful”.
On his part, Olafare said the palace is not aware of the
divorce.
“The palace is not aware of the decision of Olori. Kabiyesi
has not briefed me on the matter,” he said.
Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, in a statement posted on her
verified Instagram handle @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi on Thursday morning,
announced an end to her three-year-old marriage with Ooni.
She said, “I bless the Lord almighty for His faithfulness in
the last three years of my marriage. In life’s journey, it isn’t how far.
“Still, how well, indeed though satan should buffet if
trials should come, I have this blessed assurance controlling all situations
and saying to me it is well with my soul.
“Certainly, it is well. I made my journey into the ancient
throne of Ife with faith in my heart and love for the keeper of it.
“Few impressions I would love to correct. If anyone knows
otherwise, they are free to come up with facts.
“Let it be known that this decision to move on did not come
because his majesty is married to another queen.
“As many would love to assume, throughout our life as a
couple, I was the only married wife to him. There were side attractions, but it
was never an issue.
“I never approached
him with any revelation of any sort, as many believed he contacted me first and
made his proposal known several months later.
“The marriage was not an arranged one, as many have
misconstrued. I never knew the prophetess said to have introduced me to him.
“Instead, he introduced her to me after I agreed to marry him.
I was only being polite out of respect for him.
“I have never been pregnant all my life before Tadenikawo;
my son is my first ever pregnancy with medical reports to back it up.
“The girl who is said to be my daughter is my niece.
“I did my best to endure and make it work; many times, I
smiled through the struggle, but I have finally realised I had just one
assignment, my son, and when God is done, He is done.
“He chose Saul to be king, and when He was done, He told the
prophet Samuel I have moved on.
“Religion was never an issue between us; please refer to my
interview on News Central TV.
“Instead, His Majesty has a picture he would love the world
to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self.
“Today I announce the beginning of a new dawn and the close
of a chapter.
“Today, I am a mother to God’s unique gift. I am no longer a
slave to my thoughts of perfection.
“I, at this moment, announce that I shall no longer be
referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as Queen of Ile-Ife but as the Queen
of the people and mother of my adorable Prince.
“He is God’s way of saying I know about it all.In situations
like this, there will be aggrieved persons.
“I, at this moment, appeal to all parties involved to allow
the peace of God with the consciousness that there is a lovely little boy
between us. I thank all of my prayer partners and loved ones.
“I remain committed to all of my projects, charity work and
ministry. In this new season, I shall be focusing on God only.”
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