TheCable

Adetoye Odewole, the royal traditional secretary of Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife, has debunked reports of the death of Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade.

However, it is believed that the denial may not be unconnected with the traditional rites to be performed before the passing is officially announced.

Odewole, who addressed a press conference at the Ooni’s palace, said the reported death of the monarch was based on mere rumour.

He expressed regrets that the same rumour was spread in 2002, 2004 and 2013, adding that the Ooni was hale and hearty.

Similarly, Joseph Ijaodola, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, said the Ooni was alive, claiming that the monarch spoke with him from London an hour before the press conference.

“I spoke with the Royal Father an hour ago from London,” he said.

“Even if it (death) happens, only the Council of Oduduwa has the right to pronounce it. The enemies of Ife are the ones carrying the rumour.”

Sympathisers besieged the palace earlier in the day. They began arriving around 6:30am to ascertain the veracity of the reports from palace chiefs who initially declined to speak.

They were also turned back at the entrance of the palace by the guards while the gate was shut.

Many of the sympathisers gathered in groups a few metres from the palace gate discussing the development in hushed tones.

TheCable understands that Sijuwade died around 9pm on Tuesday at a London hospital.