In a touching letter to the Oluwo of Iwo, a traditional ruler in Nigerian society, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, expressed her gratitude for the chieftaincy title and traditional Yoruba name bestowed upon her during her recent visit to the West African nation. The heartfelt letter, obtained by local outlet Western Post, highlights the significance of the honor and the impact of the three-day tour on the Duchess and her family.
During their visit to Nigeria last month, Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, were warmly welcomed by Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, who granted the Duchess the distinguished title and the traditional Yoruba name 'Adetokunbo.' In her letter, Markle conveyed her appreciation for the gesture, writing, "Your Imperial Majesty, Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria. I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo. I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity."
The Sussexes' trip to Nigeria was of great personal significance to the Duchess, as it allowed her to explore and connect with her heritage, which she hopes to pass on to her children. "Our visit to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children," Markle wrote in the letter. "We look forward to coming back home one day."
The invitation to Nigeria came from the country's chief of defense staff, its highest-ranking military official, and the couple returned home with over 20 gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing to jewelry and literature. In an interview with People magazine, Markle described the visit as "incredibly memorable and special," emphasizing the warm hospitality they received and the lasting memories they created.
Prince Harry echoed his wife's sentiments, telling People that the trip was crucial for the couple and the Invictus Games, a cause close to their hearts. "Always nice to be on the move, in a sense, but also these trips are about us being able to go out and go and focus on the things that mean so much to us and support the causes that are close to our heart," he said. "And being able to be on the ground that, to us, is what it's all about."
The Duke of Sussex also hinted at the possibility of similar trips in the near future, although no specific travel plans have been confirmed at this time.
The Duchess of Sussex's letter to the Oluwo of Iwo, signed "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex," included her official monogram and conveyed a deep sense of connection to Nigeria and its people. By referring to the country as "my country" during her visit and expressing her desire to return "home" in the future, Markle has embraced her Nigerian heritage and the significance of the traditional Yoruba name 'Adetokunbo.'
Since stepping down from their roles as senior working members of the royal family in 2020, the Sussexes have been able to accept the numerous gifts they received during their visit to Nigeria, a privilege they would not have enjoyed under their previous status. The trip has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the couple, strengthening their bond with the West African nation and its people.