After almost three years since their separation, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his ex-wife, Silekunola Naomi, made a significant and unexpected reunion at a public event over the weekend.
In December 2021, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Naomi confirmed the end of her three-year marriage to the monarch on her official Instagram page.
The former Olori and Ooni tied the knot in October 2018 and welcomed their son, Tadenikawo, on November 18, 2020.
The former queen, who runs an interfaith ministry in Akure, Ondo State, explained that her decision to end the marriage was due to a disconnect between the monarch's public image and “his true self”.
Since their separation, the monarch and the prophetess had not been seen together in public until they reunited on Sunday at a night of praise held as part of the opening ceremonies of Ooni's Ojaja Park in Akure, Ondo State.
In the viral video, Naomi brought Tadenikawo, Ooni's first and eldest son, to the event, which marked the inauguration of the monarch's Ojaja Park in Akure, Ondo State.
Before Tadenikawo's birth, Ooni had a daughter, Adeola, at age 19 with Omolara Olatubosun. The princess turned 30 in May.
Article page with financial support promotion One big happy family Ooni, Naomi and Tadenikawo
The event was filled with joy and excitement as 4-year-old Tadenikawo became the center of attention, with eager guests lining up to dance with him. His father's wives, Queen Temitope and Aderonke, joined the festivities, adding to the jubilant atmosphere.
The queens who played with Tadenikawo also shared some moments with Naomi.
Naomi attended the event because it took place in Akure, her hometown. At one point, she was seen standing next to the Ooni, appearing relaxed as dignitaries showered Tadenikawo with cash gifts.
In the video, the former queen sprinkles money on Tadenikawo while she stands in front of her father. During the fumigation of money, she and the monarch chat briefly before she takes Tadenikawo into her arms.
Despite their past, Naomi and Ooni's interactions were warm and cordial, reassuring the audience of their friendly relationship.
Apart from the dignitaries, Tadenikawo's father's wives and other well-wishers, Ooni's sister, Princess Adesola, also hugged and played with the prince at the event.
Afterwards, Naomi returned to her seat while the Ooni, dressed in white, continued to entertain his guests.
Despite her split from the monarch, Naomi still retains her royal title on Instagram, where she is known as “Her Majesty, Queen Naomi Silekunola.”
Queen Mariam Anako, whom the Ooni married in September 2022, now held the position of Yeyeluwa, previously held by Naomi.
Queen Mariam, a native of Kogi State and a senior administrative executive at Nestoil Limited, married the Ooni nine months after his divorce from Naomi.
Ojaja Park
Ojaja Park has a five-star hotel, a play centre, a children's playground, a shopping centre, a school and housing estates. The park will be inaugurated today.
On Friday, Ogunwusi announced on his Instagram page that he welcomed former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).
The monarch noted that ninety percent of the materials used in the park were of local origin to minimize capital flight, which usually occurs with imported materials.
Ogunwusi said: “Embrace our diversity and support our beginnings here. To young Nigerians and leaders from all sectors: let's stop putting all the blame on the government. How often do we support or dress Nigeria beyond our designer brands and luxury moments? As Ooni Ojaja Il, I am proud to announce that this new integrated city in Akure was built with almost 90 percent of products proudly made in Nigeria, from speakers to tiles and joinery, crafted right here at home.
“It is time for all of us – government officials, the private sector and especially our youth – to take bold steps and invest in local production. Let us lift each other up and build Nigeria together. I've already started – join me in promoting ours. The time is now.”