The palace of the Ooni of Ife, represented by spokesperson Moses Olafare, has vehemently disavowed claims made by an individual asserting to be a son of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the reigning monarch.
In an official statement obtained by DAILY POST on Thursday, Olafare declared the viral video featuring the purported prince as an act of impersonation, stressing that the individual in question has no affiliation with the royal family of Ooni Ogunwusi.
Olafare emphasized the monarch’s commitment to acknowledging and taking full responsibility for all his children, both within and outside Nigeria.
He further provided details of the Ooni’s known offspring, debunking any association with the alleged impostor.
According to the palace, the eldest child, Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, resides in Canada and holds a Master’s degree, while Princess Adewamiwa Ogunwusi pursues her education in Dublin, Ireland. Prince Tadenikawo Ogunwusi is reported to be in good health with his mother, and newborn twins, Prince Adebisi Kehinde and Princess Taiwo Adeayo, are set to be formally introduced to the palace soon.
The palace condemned the impersonation as sacrilegious and criminal, pledging to pursue legal action against the perpetrator. They urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and bring the impostor to justice.
The palace alo called upon anyone with pertinent information regarding the impersonator to come forward either to the palace or law enforcement authorities.
At the House of Oduduwa affirmed its dedication to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, warning against any attempts to undermine or tarnish its legacy through fraudulent means.