Ife Chiefs confirm Ooni’s death

                       
The Ife traditional council has officially announced the passing away of the Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuade Olubuse II, after weeks of speculation. Layi Adereti, the Awara of Iwara-ife, made the confirmation while speaking on the preparation for the Ooni’s burial. He stated that the official proclamation of the passage of the Ooni of Ife, who died at Saint Mary Hospital in London, will be made on Wednesday, August 12.

Adereti added that the Oro festival, will be the final rite of passage for the Ooni. "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 in-doors for the period when the Oro will be out."

Mr. Adereti who is also the head of Oro Cult in Ile-Ife, warned the residents of the town whether male or female to remain indoors during the Oro rites. The Council had initially denied the news of the Ooni’s death, insisting that its traditional rulers don’t die.