Ooni of Ife hosts grand christening for twin sons

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, recently welcomed his second set of twins with his wife, Olori Mariam, and marked the occasion with a naming ceremony held at the Ile-Ife Palace in Osun State.

The event was attended by members of the royal household, traditional chiefs, family members, and queens, including Olori Aderonke, Olori Temitope, and Olori Ashley.

As part of the ceremony, traditional rites associated with the naming of newborns were observed. One of the highlights was a symbolic ritual involving a table laden with various items used for prayers and blessings. The Oloris approached the table and selected from the displayed items, after which guests followed suit.

Among the items presented were bananas, beans, kola nuts, bitter kola, sugarcane, gin, water, cash, dried fish, and other symbolic objects, each representing different prayers and aspirations for the children.

During the naming segment, the officiating elder announced the names of the twins, beginning with the older child, Taiwo, followed by Kehinde. Each of the children was given six names.

The celebration also featured performances by traditional music groups, with many guests taking to the dance floor as the festivities continued. Various groups and well-wishers paid homage to the monarch and extended their congratulations to the royal family.

Following the public ceremony, guests moved into the palace for a more intimate reception, where food and drinks were served.