A middle-aged man who recently went viral for claiming to be the son of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has apologized for his actions.
In a new video, the man, who remains unnamed, expressed regret for any embarrassment or discomfort caused by his earlier claims.
In the initial video, the man had claimed that the Ooni was his father and had instructed him to keep his identity hidden.
He also gave a two-month ultimatum to be invited to the palace, threatening to reveal more secrets if ignored.
However, the palace swiftly debunked his claims, labelling him an impersonator and reporting the matter to security agencies.
In his apology video, the man explained that he had indeed had dreams about the Ooni, which he believed held significance.
He claimed to have seen the Ooni in a dream in 2022 and again a month ago, which prompted him to create the initial video as a means to attract the monarch’s attention.
He said, “I have a reason for creating that video. In 2022, I found myself beside the Ooni in my dream, engaging in discussions. Initially, I was unaware that it was a dream because Kabiyesi gave me the bead on my wrist. However, when Kabiyesi raised my hand, that was when I woke.
“Upon waking, I was perplexed about how I had encountered the Ooni of Ife but later concluded that he is the father of Oduduwa land. Dreaming about him is not unusual or inappropriate. I have never dreamt about an Oba before; typically, I dream about governors, not an Oba.
“Three days after this dream, I travelled to Ile-Ife in an attempt to meet the Ooni. Despite all my efforts, I could not see Kabiyesi, and I departed in the evening after spending the entire day at the Ooni’s palace.”
The man acknowledged that his actions may have caused offence and pleaded with the Ooni not to be displeased with him.
He emphasized that his intention was not to defame the Ooni but rather to share his dreams and hopefully meet him. He also urged Nigerians not to spread his initial video, which he admitted was a mistake.
The palace has not yet responded to the apology, but earlier stated that the Ooni knows and acknowledges all his children and would take full responsibility for them.
The palace also emphasized its commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine or tarnish its legacy through fraudulent means
