Ooni Of Ife's Death Was A Mere Rumour, He's Still Alive!

Yesterday there were rife reports that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade was dead. The news had it that the monarch died in a UK hospital after a brief illness, read here. Well, it's has turned out to be false.

According to Joseph Ijaodola, an Oba and the Lowa of Ife, who briefed newsmen at the  Ooni palace at Enuwa, in Ile-Ife early yesterday, the monarch was hale and hearty. RTC, which is a combination of traditional chiefs and title holders’ said the report that the monarch died in a hospital in the United Kingdom was untrue.

Ijaodola said: “I hereby dispel the rumour that our Baba, the Olubuse is dead. As I speak with you, the chiefs have not heard anything like that. This is not the first time such rumour will be carried about our father.  

‘They did it in 1982, also in 2004 and now, these people are coming up with another rumour. Ooni remains in sound state of health.”

Also commenting, chairman, Ife Development Board, Prof. Muib Opeloye, said Ife as a town with rich tradition has its way of managing its affairs. Opeloye maintained the monarch was preparing for his son’s wedding, urging people not to panic and go about their normal daily activities. 

Meantime, the entrance of Ooni palace was shut to visitors, as only newsmen, chiefs and relations of Oba Sijuade were allowed into the premises.  Many indigenes and residents of Ife had converged at entrance of the palace but were prevented from going inside by guards. 

Osun State government is yet to make official statement concerning the demise of the monarch. 

Source: Vanguard