The palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has vehemently disavowed an individual’s claim in a viral video asserting lineage to the revered monarch. In an official statement released by the spokesperson of the palace, Moses Olafare, it was clarified that the individual in question engaged in egregious impersonation, prompting swift action from the palace, including reporting the matter to relevant security agencies.
Olafare emphasized that as a responsible father and custodian of tradition, Oba Ogunwusi unequivocally recognizes and acknowledges all his children, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. The purported “prince” in the video is entirely unknown to the palace and the populace of Ile-Ife.
The statement refuted the individual’s claim, asserting, “He is not a child of Ooni Ogunwusi as fraudulently claimed and also never related in any way to any lineage of the Ogunwusi royal family and the Giesi royal compound of Ile-Ife at large.”
The palace further provided a comprehensive list of the monarch’s known children and their respective locations, underscoring the transparency and accountability inherent in the royal family’s affairs.
In light of the impersonator’s deceptive actions, the palace condemned such sacrilegious acts and called for a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies to ensure swift justice. It urged individuals with pertinent information about the impersonator to come forward and assist in the legal process.
The release concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the House of Oduduwa to safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, emphasizing zero tolerance for any attempts to undermine or tarnish its esteemed legacy through fraudulent means.
