Passage: Ooni May be Buried Privately, as Night Crawlers Cautioned in Ife

Passage: Ooni May be Buried Privately, as Night Crawlers Cautioned in Ife

The death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, maybe real, as succession to the throne may soon commence with the ruling houses already engaged in intrigue to outwit one another.

Also, the remains of the monarch might be committed to mother earth privately within the seven days of the Oro festival before official announcement of his death is made public.

The political aspect of it is that the state government would have a role to play as names of qualified candidates are expected to be submitted to the governor for final approval.

Whoever wants to emerge as his successor must however receive the mercy and blessing of the government after nomination by the next ruling house and the traditional council.

Meanwhile, palpable tension have pervaded residents of Osun State over a message being circulated around that Ile-Ife has been dangerous for pedestrians due to traditional rites allegedly planned for seven days in the town.

It was gathered that some ritual rites are being planned in the town following the controversial death of the Ooni. Tensions have been heightened in the state as it was said that Ile-Ife has been dangerous for travelers at night especially during the seven days ritual rites.

However, as controversy continues to trail the death of Oba Sijuwade, THISDAY has gathered that the traditional council would announce the death of the monarch after the ritual rites.

THISDAY recalled that a prominent monarch in the state had hinted that the death of the monarch must not be officially announced until some necessary rites are performed.

The Ife Traditional Council is also silent on the death of the monarch during their recent visit to the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

The purpose of the meeting which was held in closed door was not conveyed to the media as it was however learnt that they told the governor that Ife tradition should be respected on the death of Oba Sijuwade.


A source who does not want to be named in print, said strangers must be careful of moving around Ife at night saying: "They usually use a stranger for the atonement.

"The monarch who died was a prominent Oba and necessary atonement must be performed before his death or burial can be announced.

"It is very common that a stranger is usually used to perform the ritual and no one can say the number of people they would need."