‘Like every other person, Ooni of Ife saw Queen Naomi’s divorce notice on social media’

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, first saw the divorce notice by his estranged wife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, in the most unusual places of all – social media.

According to reports, an aide to the monarch said the Ooni slept with the mindset of rejoining the ongoing musical programme, ‘Memorable Moments With Music’, expected to end today.

While agreeing that there had been issues with Prophetess Naomi Silekunola and Ooni, the aide said the palace never expected such issues to lead to “a divorce that will first be heard on social media”, noting 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.”

Meanwhile, Olafare, who had earlier rubbished the story, has come out to say 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.

It will be recalled that Queen Naomi Naomi Silekunola, had early Thursday shared a statement on her verified Instagram handle @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, where she announced an end to her three-year-old marriage with Ooni.

Her post: “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.”