Ooni of Ife's death to be formally announced on Wednesday, residents warned to stay indoors

dimeji akinloye

August 10, 2015 11:47 PM

According to the traditional ruler, the ongoing Oro festival is the final rite of passage for the Ooni.

Late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade

The Obawara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, on Monday, August 10, said the official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, will be made on Wednesday, August 12.

Oba Adereti disclosed in Ile-Ife while speaking with journalists on the preparations for the final burial of the monarch.

According to the traditional ruler, the ongoing Oro festival is the final rite of passage for the Ooni.

He said the official pronouncement of the demise of Ooni will be done between 9 a.m. and 4p.m. on Wednesday.

Adereti, who is also the head of Ife Oro cult, said all residents of the ancient town whether male or female must remain indoors during the rites.

He said after the Oro rites and proclamation, subsequent rites will follow.

The traditional ruler appealed to residents to heed the restriction order from the palace.

"The proclamation of the demise of Ooni 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 a.m. and 4p.m. during which the Oro deity will be out.

“With the announcement, people are advised to stay indoors for the period when the Oro will be out,'' Adereti said.

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