Palace confirms Ooni’s death, warns residents to stay indoors

The Ile Ife traditional council has confirmed the death of the Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade.

The monarch died in a London hospital on July 28 but the palace debunked media reports on the development, saying the enemies of the kingdom were behind the news.

“I spoke with the Royal Father an hour ago from London,” Joseph Ijaodola, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, said at a press conference at the time.

“Even if it (death) happens, only the Council of Oduduwa has the right to pronounce it. The enemies of Ife are the ones carrying the rumour.”

But speaking on Monday, Layi Adereti, the Awara of Iwara-Ife, said preparation for the burial was in progress, adding that official proclamation of the passage would be made on August 12.

“This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of Iwara-Ife who is the head of Oro deity that on Wednesday 12th August 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife,” he said.

“The proclamation will be made public during the Oro festival, being the final rites on the demise of Ooni of Ife.

“The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9am and 4pm during which the Oro diety will be out.

“With the announcement, people are advised to stay indoors for the period when the Oro will be out.”