The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has officially unveiled the names of his newborn princess at a traditional naming ceremony held at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A statement on Sunday by the monarch’s spokesperson, Sodiq Lawal, said the event attracted traditional rulers, palace chiefs, custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, family members, dignitaries and well-wishers across the country.

Mr Lawal said the event held exactly a week after the safe delivery of the princess by the monarch’s wife, Queen Oluwatosin Ogunwusi.

The monarch’s spokesman said the ceremony which was a moment of joy and thanksgiving for the royal household and the people of Ile-Ife, drew custodians of various deities, traditionally known as Oba Isoro, alongside other Obas and distinguished Ife High Chiefs.

He stated that prayers were offered for the newborn princess using several symbolic items such as sugarcane, Aadun, honey, dried fish, money, pen, bitter kola, kola nuts, alligator pepper, snails, schnapps, water, palm oil, doves, alongside other sacred and culturally significant items.

The spokesman said the items symbolised wishes for sweetness, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, abundance, peace, knowledge, fertility, divine protection and a life of honour for the royal princess.

Mr Lawal said the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, formally announced the traditional names of the newborn princess with the approval of the Ooni of Ife.

He said the princess was named “Adelewa, Adeyele, Adeshikemi and Ayoade, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.”

Mr Adeyeye congratulated the monarch and queen on the historic addition of the princess to the royal household, praying that her arrival would usher in greater peace, prosperity, unity and progress for the kingdom.

In his remarks, Mr Ogunwusi thanked the Almighty God for what he described as a precious gift of new life and a divine blessing added to his family.

He attributed the safe delivery of the royal baby and preservation of the mother to the unfailing grace and faithfulness of God, even during the period of pregnancy.

Mr Ogunwusi described the princess’ birth as a blessing that triggered joy and celebration among the people of Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race.

He prayed that the newborn princess would flourish in wisdom, grace, honour, sound health and divine favour, adding that her life would be defined by purpose, service, excellence and a strong connection to the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.

The monarch thanked traditional rulers, palace chiefs, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined the royal household in celebrating the arrival of the princess and for their prayers and goodwill.