The ancient city of Ile-Ife was filled with pomp and celebration as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and his wife, Queen Mariam Ajibola Ogunwusi, hosted a grand traditional naming ceremony for their newborn twin princes.
Queen Mariam gave birth to the twin boys in May 2026, and months later, the royal family formally welcomed and presented the babies during a colourful ceremony held at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The ceremony reflected the rich customs and traditions associated with the Yoruba monarchy. Videos from the event, shared on Instagram on Friday, September 11, 2026, showed the Ooni seated on a golden throne under a beautifully decorated canopy adorned with purple and white fabrics.
The twin princes, dressed in matching white outfits, were carried by women wearing elaborate traditional headwraps as they were presented before the dignitaries and guests gathered at the palace.
The occasion attracted members of the royal household, dignitaries, well-wishers, security personnel and photographers, creating a lively atmosphere as guests gathered to celebrate the arrival of the royal heirs.
The Ooni of Ife remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers and is widely recognised for his important place in Yoruba traditional and cultural affairs.
The birth of the twin princes to Queen Mariam had earlier sparked excitement among members of the royal family, Yoruba communities and royal watchers in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
The naming ceremony months after their birth marked an important stage in the lives of the royal children, formally introducing them to the community in accordance with Yoruba cultural traditions and celebrating their place within the royal household.