‘My son returns home’: Ooni hosts Asake, mother at palace

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has hosted Afrobeats star Asake and his mother at the royal palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Ooni shared a video of the visit on his X handle on Monday night, describing the singer as “my son” while praising his global success and strong Yoruba identity.

According to the traditional ruler, Asake spent some of his formative years in Ile-Ife, where values such as hard work, discipline, and determination helped shape his journey.

Ooni also described the singer as one of the greatest musical icons of his generation and a cultural ambassador who has taken Yoruba heritage to the global stage.

He commended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and a lecturer at the institution, Prof. Toyin Ogundeji, for contributing to Asake’s development.

The monarch wrote: Today fills my heart with deep joy as I welcome my son, Asake, back home to Ile-Ife. This sacred land is where he spent many of his formative years, moulded by hard work, discipline, and quiet determination.

K1 withdraws from Awujale race, drops suit against Ogun govt

“To return home after such a journey is a blessing, and I receive him with pride and open arms.

“Asake’s mother has been his steadfast pillar, and I am equally delighted to welcome her back home while extending my heartfelt gratitude to her for nurturing him with love, resilience, and strength to reach this remarkable stage of life.

“I also express my sincere appreciation to Professor Toyin Ogundeji and Obafemi Awolowo University for nurturing one of the greatest musical icons of our time a cultural ambassador who has carried Yoruba heritage onto the global stage.

“Today, my son has returned home. A global star has come back to his roots. Ile-Ife receives you with pride.”

The Star