Current Miss Oyo, Princess Adedoja Adeyemi says she is not bothered by those who think she was crowned the most beautiful girl in Oyo State because her father is the Alaafin.
Princess Adedoja, who stated this in a recent interview with PUNCH, noted that Alaafin was not even aware of her participation in the contest until her victory.
“Everybody has something to say and I am not ignorant of that. When I won, I saw a lot of insensitive comments. Some people asked, ‘What is beautiful about her’? Some said, ‘She won because she is the daughter of the Alaafin of Oyo’, and so on. However, I am not bothered. Interestingly, my father was not even aware I contested this pageant until I won. The judges did not know who I was and I did not know any of them. When I was in camp, I did not reveal my identity to anybody. The Miss Oyo pageant has been on for about 18 years and this is the first time a princess would win. I believe the pageant is very free and fair. One would win if one has what it takes to do so. I deserved to win because I am from Oyo State, and I’m also intelligent and beautiful. Winning had nothing to do with my linage.
However, my father was very happy when he learnt that I won the pageant, and he is proud of me.
People should also think about what their negative comments could do to the mental health of others,” Princess Adedoja said.
Speaking on fond memories from her childhood, she said: “My fondest childhood memories were during holidays. Most of my cousins and other relatives spent their holidays in the palace, and there were a lot of cultural activities. I remember we played a lot, went for physical training with Alaafin on weekends and took holiday lessons in English, Arithmetics and Arabic. The elderly queens in the palace taught us cultural norms, etiquette, and royal poetry (oriki).”
She added that even though her and her father, the Alaafin, does not speak on a daily basis, when they do, she find it inspiring.
