Ooni's Palace Addresses Rumors of Queen Naomi's Return

The palace of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has reacted to recent speculation about a possible reconciliation with his former wife, Queen Naomi Silekunola. The rumors gained traction after the monarch attended Ms Silekunola's convocation ceremony at Elizade University in Ondo State. A video from the event showed the former couple exchanging pleasantries and sharing moments with their son, Prince Tadenikawo.

The Ooni's spokesperson, Moses Olafare, has urged the public not to draw conclusions from their encounter, saying he could not confirm whether the meeting indicated a possible reconciliation. Olafare noted that the Ooni had previously attended events at Elizade University and cautioned against attaching any special meaning to his presence at the convocation.

According to Olafare, Queen Naomi's return to the palace would involve spiritual and cultural procedures. He stated that while the two could decide to rebuild their relationship like any other separated couple, reconciliation would require established spiritual and cultural rites.

Olafare distinguished between the possibility of the former couple reconciling privately and Silekunola formally reclaiming her former position in the palace. He emphasized that the latter would require specific spiritual and cultural rites, which could not have been performed at an external function like the convocation ceremony.

The Ooni married Naomi Silekunola in October 2018, and their union produced a son, Prince Tadenikawo, in November 2020. However, in December 2021, Ms Silekunola publicly announced the end of their marriage, stating that she would no longer be addressed as the Ooni's wife or the Queen of Ile-Ife.

Despite their separation, the Ooni and Silekunola have maintained cordial relations and have appeared together at public functions on several occasions. In 2024, the former couple reunited at a praise night organised to celebrate the opening of the Ooni's Ojaja Park in Akure, Ondo State.

Olafare noted that the former queen had voluntarily left the throne about four years earlier. He cautioned that his explanation of the traditional requirements should not be interpreted as opposition to a possible reconciliation between the former couple.

Key points

• The Ooni's palace has addressed speculation about Queen Naomi's possible return, emphasizing that reconciliation would require spiritual and cultural procedures.
• The former couple has maintained cordial relations despite their separation and has appeared together at public functions on several occasions.
• Queen Naomi's return to the palace would involve specific spiritual and cultural rites, which could not have been performed at an external function like the convocation ceremony.