Afrobeats singer Asake made a big return to his roots this week. He visited the palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on December 22. His mother came along for the trip. Fans love the photos and videos coming out from the visit.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, welcomed Asake warmly. He called the singer “my son”. He said Asake spent part of his early years in Ile-Ife. The king praised him for taking Yoruba culture around the world through his music.
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, looked happy in the palace. He performed some of his hits, like “Lonely at the Top”. The Ooni gave him a special artwork as a gift. He also spoke highly of Asake’s mother. He called her a strong support who raised her son with love and strength.
Photos from the visit show Asake and his mom sitting close to the Ooni. They smile in traditional settings inside the palace. Many people online say the pictures feel warm and real. Some call it a proud moment for Yoruba people.
This trip came right after Asake landed at his old school, Obafemi Awolowo University, also in Ile-Ife. He arrived by helicopter with his mother and friends like Yhemolee. Students went wild when they saw him. He spent time there before heading to the palace.
Asake has been away from Nigeria for a while. He lived in the US for some time. Now he is back for the holidays. He has a big show coming up on December 24 at Flytime Fest in Lagos. Tickets sold out fast.
The singer started getting big in 2022. He worked with Olamide back then. Now he stands on his own. His songs get billions of streams. He sells out shows in Europe and America. But he still finds time to come home and honour traditions.
The Ooni shared a video of the visit on social media. He wrote about how happy he felt. He said Ile-Ife shaped Asake in his younger days. Values like hard work helped him succeed.
Fans reacted fast. Many posted heart emojis. Some talked about how nice it is to see stars remember where they come from. Others shared old stories of Asake performing small gigs in Lagos before fame hit.
Asake’s manager was not in the main palace photos that spread widely. But she travels with him often. People know her from his international tours. The focus this time stayed on family and the royal welcome.
Visits like this happen now and then with Nigerian artists. Kings invite them to talk about culture. Asake seemed grateful. He thanked the Ooni for the blessings.
Ile-Ife holds special meaning in Yoruba history, and it was critical to be among people in that history. It is seen as the cradle of the people. Asake studying at OAU nearby ties him even closer.
People searching for Asake news in Nigeria will see these pictures everywhere. They capture a simple but strong moment. A big star back home with his mom, getting respect from a king.
The visit wrapped up with prayers and more music. Asake left with the gift and good words. His mom looked proud the whole time.
This kind of homecoming reminds everyone that success feels better when shared with roots. Asake heads to Lagos next for his concert. But this stop in Ile-Ife stands out.
Fans wait to see if more photos come out. For now, the ones shared show joy all around. Asake keeps rising, but he stays connected.
