After initially disputing his death, the Ife traditional council in Osun State has officially confirmed that tthe Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuade Olubuse II is dead.
The Awara of Iwara-Ife, Layi Adereti, made this known in Ife while speaking on the preparation for the burial of the Ooni, who died at Saint Mary Hospital in London about two weeks ago.
“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.”
He said the official proclamation of the passage of the Ooni of Ife would be made on Wednesday 12th August 2015.