Ooni of Ife not dead, says Traditional Council

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, is not dead, says the Royal Traditional Council (RTC) of Ife, contrary to reports by several media outfits (not Ripples) this morning that the monarch had passed away in a London hospital Tuesday night.

The RTC which is a combination of traditional chiefs and title holders, said the report was untrue.

Briefing journalists at the Ooni’s palace in Ile Ife on Wednesday, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, declared that the monarch was hale and hearty.

He 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. Oba Sijuade remains in sound state of health.”

Read also: GEJ’s CSO dismisses death rumour

Residents of the town who had trooped to the palace on Wednesday, to ascertain if the news they read about the death of the monarch was true, or not were locked out. Only few journalists and chiefs were allowed to enter the premises.

The RTC, also added that the royal father was preparing for his son’s wedding holding Sunday, next week, in Lagos.

It was gathered, that the traditional wedding of the new couple took place last weekend in London.

 
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