The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has officially unveiled the names of his newborn daughter at a colourful traditional naming ceremony held at the ancient Emese Court within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to PM News, the ceremony, held on Sunday evening, came exactly one week after the safe delivery of the royal baby girl by the Ooni’s wife, Queen Oluwatosin Ogunwusi.
The event attracted traditional rulers, palace chiefs, custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, members of the royal family, dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country.
The traditional rites featured prayers, royal blessings and symbolic Yoruba customs performed to formally welcome the newborn into the revered House of Oduduwa.
The princess was named Adelewa, Adeyele, Adeshikemi and Ayoade, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The names were formally announced by the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, with the approval of the Ooni.
While offering prayers for the newborn, the Lowa Adimula asked Olodumare to grant the princess “wisdom, sound health, strength, grace and long life.”
He also prayed that she would grow into “a worthy representative of the royal dynasty and ambassador of the Yoruba race.”
The traditional ceremony involved the use of several symbolic items, including sugarcane, Aadun, honey, dried fish, money, pen, bitter kola, kola nuts, alligator pepper, snails, schnapps, water, palm oil and doves.
According to the traditional custodians, the items symbolised prayers and wishes for sweetness, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, abundance, peace, knowledge, fertility, divine protection and a life of honour.
The Lowa Adimula expressed gratitude to Olodumare for the safe arrival of the princess and described the birth as a momentous occasion for the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife and the wider Yoruba race.
He also congratulated the Ooni and Queen Oluwatosin, praying that the arrival of the princess would bring greater peace, prosperity, unity and progress to the kingdom.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ooni expressed profound gratitude to Olodumare for what he described as “a precious gift of new life and a divine blessing to the House of Oduduwa.”
The monarch attributed the safe delivery of the royal baby to “the unfailing grace and faithfulness of Olodumare,” while expressing appreciation to God for preserving both mother and child throughout the pregnancy and delivery.
The Ooni said the birth was “not only a source of immense happiness to the royal family” but also a blessing to the people of Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race.
He prayed that the princess would flourish in “wisdom, grace, honour, sound health and divine favour,” adding that her life should be defined by “purpose, service, excellence and a strong connection to the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.”
The monarch also prayed for the continued preservation of the royal household and the House of Oduduwa, seeking enduring peace, unity, prosperity and progress for the ancient kingdom.
He thanked traditional rulers, palace chiefs, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined the royal household to celebrate the arrival of the princess and offered prayers and goodwill.
(Punch)
