Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, recently welcomed Afrobeats sensation Asake and his mother to the historic palace in Ile-Ife, marking a symbolic homecoming for the global music star.
Sharing a video of the visit on his official X account, the revered monarch openly embraced the Lonely At The Top hitmaker as “my son,” celebrating both his international success and deep Yoruba heritage.
The video showed Asake entertaining the Ooni and other dignitaries with a live rendition of Lonely at the Top, after which the monarch honoured the singer with a piece of artwork from his private collection.
In an emotional caption, the Ooni described the visit as deeply meaningful, reflecting on Asake’s roots in Ile-Ife.
“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. To return home after such a journey is a blessing, and I receive him with pride and open arms,” the monarch wrote.
The traditional ruler also showered praise on Asake’s mother, describing her as the backbone behind the singer’s success and applauding her dedication to his upbringing.
“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,” he added.
Acknowledging the singer’s support system, the Ooni commended Asake’s manager, Lala, and the rest of his team for their unwavering loyalty, which he linked to core Yoruba values.
”Significantly, I pay special tribute to Lala and the entire crew who stood faithfully by my son, your dedication reflects the true spirit of Omoluabi.”
The monarch further expressed appreciation to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where Asake studied, crediting the institution and its leadership for shaping the artist.
“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,” he said.
Asake’s palace visit comes shortly after his return to Nigeria following two years abroad. While in the country, the singer and his team also paid a courtesy visit to OAU.
The artist recently revealed that he has relocated to Los Angeles, United States, as he continues to expand his global footprint.
