The palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has strongly disowned a claim made by an individual in a viral video who falsely asserted that he was the monarch’s son. In a statement released by the monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, it was emphasized that the individual engaged in an act of impersonation, and the matter has been reported to security agencies for further action.
The statement clarified that Oba Ogunwusi, being a responsible father and custodian of tradition, knows and acknowledges all his children and would not hesitate to take full responsibility for them. The self-acclaimed prince in the viral video was declared unknown to the palace and the Ile-Ife populace, and he was stated to have no affiliation with the Ogunwusi royal family or the Giesi royal compound of Ile-Ife.
The palace listed all the recognized children of the traditional ruler and their respective locations, debunking the false claim made by the impersonator. It was highlighted that the palace would pursue legal action against the individual for his fraudulent exploitation of the Ooni’s revered status for personal gain.
The release urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrator to justice swiftly. Any individuals with information regarding the impersonator were encouraged to come forward to the palace or the police.