Former Olori’s Family ‘Returns Brideprice’ To Ooni Of Ife, Annuls Marriage

According to the latest report, the family of the former Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi in Benin has returned her brideprice back to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, finally officially annulling the marriage between their daughter and the king.

According to blogger Kemi Ashefon, a family source confirmed that the king was implored by a comity of elders to accept the price he paid so as to severe all marital ties amicably. The blogger alleged that the Ooni of Ife was initially reluctant, but finally acceded. “She is free now,” he was quoted to have said after accepting the price.

“Both families appeared relieved about this final foreclosure of the marriage that lasted less than two years,” Kemi Ashefon added.

This comes a week after an Ifa priest, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, said the former Olori (now Queen Zaynab-Otiti Obanor) must undergo spiritual cleansing if she wishes to lay with another man other than the Ooni.

“The wife of the Oba will be asked to consult Ifa and Ifa will give directions on how she will make t
he necessary atonement for her cleansing,” said the priest, adding, “In Yoruba tradition, a woman who has been married to a king cannot lay with any other man even if the marriage breaks up. But when the right atonements have been made, there won’t be problem.”

And now that the Olori has returned her brideprice, does it also severe the so-called spiritual ‘ties’ between her and the king?

Neither the Ooni of Ife nor the former Olori has confirmed the marriage annulment story at the time this story was published.