The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has shared his faherhood experience while celebrating his daughter, Adeola on her 28th birthday.
The Ooni who shared this on his verified Instagram page stated that parenting should not be compared to a game of squid.
He also revealed that he has had his fair share of challenges associated with parenting since becoming a father at the age of 19.
His post on Instagram read, “Parenting can be a big dream with unique challenges. It is never a game of squid. I have had my share of its beauty as a young father who was blessed with the most precious daughter at the age of 19. It was a huge responsibility for me, and I relied on a leap of faith and determination.
“The journey with my daughter, Princess Adeola, was incredibly filled with uncertainty as a young father, nonetheless, I guided my heart with all diligence and girded my loins for all the challenges.”
While reminiscing about the past, the Ooni revealed that having a child at such a young age made him live through circumstances that called his integrity and competence to questioning.
He said, “I equally realised that being a single parent to a daughter in an unfamiliar footprint can be a major shift in human experience and a daunting journey as you need to help your child to navigate day-to-day social situations, complex feelings, and developmental changes that life prescribes.
“Profoundly, life taught me to exhibit an abundance measure of resilience, compassion, determination, and above all empathy which my daughter sought from me.”
The Ooni further revealed having his daughter so young helped them form an unbroken bond, as she is his "closest friend and great confidant."
He added, “She is and will always be a huge blessing to me and life successes. I celebrate you, Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, for being the epitome of my strength and dignity. Your tenacity, doggedness, and unshakable optimism to be the best in life are unarguably lifelong lessons that I cherish in you.”