The death of the Ile-Ife monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubise II will be formally announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.



This information was disclosed by the Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, who said the preparation of the burial of the monarch will immediately commence.‎

Oba Sijuwade’s death had been denied severally by the palace chiefs. The Royal Traditional Council (RTC) of Ife had maintained that the Oba is alive and in good health, ever since reports about his death surfaced.

According to Premium Times, many of the palace chiefs were also embarrassed by the fact that the media reported the death of the monarch, instead of the traditional channels established by aged long customs of Ife land.

According to Oba Adereti, the Oro festival is the final rite of passage for the Oba Sijuwade, disclosing that between 9 am and 4 pm on Wednesday the death of Ooni would be made public officially.

Oba Adereti, who is the head of Oro Cult in Ile-Ife, warned all residents, both male and female of the ancient town to stay indoors during the Oro rites, The Nation reports.

He further revealed that after the Oro rites and proclamation, subsequent rites will follow, advising the residents of the town to abide by the heed the restriction placed in the palace area.

In the past, only women were barred when Oro festival is being carried out, but this time around, Oba Adereti warned that the festival has no respect for any gender.

He said: “This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of Iwara-Ife who is the head of Oro diety that on Wednesday 12th August 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife. 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 9 am and 4 pm during which the Oro diety will be out. With the announcement, people are advised to stay in-door for the period when the Oro will be out.”

Report had surfaced last week that members of a fraternity entered into Oduduwa shrine and other sacred forests on Thursday, August 6, to perform further rites on the Oba’s transition.

Even as a source at the Nigerian High Commission in the UK told newsmen last week that the Ife monarch’s remains are still in London. The revered monarch died at Saint Mary Hospital in London two weeks ago.

Read More:-http://www.starsgist.com/palace-chiefs-finally-confirm-oonis-death/