Confirmed Report! Ooni of Ife is Very Much Alive – Traditional Chiefs

The Royal Traditional Council of Ife has finally debunked the widely reported story of the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade (Olubuse II), saying the royal father is alive and in good health.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in the House of Chiefs located within the premises of Ile-Oodua palace of the first class monarch, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, said the report in the media that the monarch died in a London Hospital is totally false.

The Royal Traditional Council, which comprises all traditional chiefs and title holders in Ile-Ife, the custodian of Ife traditional council insisted that Ooni of Ife is alive.

Oba Ijaodola further disclosed that the royal father is currently preparing for his son’s wedding fixed for next week Sunday.

Also speaking, secretary Royal Traditional Council of Ife, the Ladin of Ife, High Chief Adetoye Odewole, said Ooni is hale and hearty and even spoke to the chiefs on phone few hours earlier.

He added that those behind the death story are enemies of Ife. His words:

"As I speak with you, 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 1984, also in 2004 and now, these people are coming up with another rumour. Oba Sijuade remains in sound state of health.”

Commenting in similar vein, chairman, Ife Development Board, Prof. Muib Opeloye, said Ife as a town with rich tradition has its way of managing its affairs.

Opeloye maintained the royal father is preparing for his son’s wedding, urging people not to panic.

Many indigenes of Ife had converged at entrance of the palace, but were prevented from entering by guards while the entire ancient town remain calm with people going about their normal businesses.