There had been confusion over the demise of the late monarch, with several conflicting reports notifying that the Ooni was not dead following his trip to a London hospital.
But, with the commencement of the transition rites are at the Oduduwa Shrine in the state, there are no doubts that the revered monarch has gone to the world beyond.
‘Tinubu Must Not Influence The Emergence Of Next Ooni of Ife’
However, the fact that an important ingredient of sacrifice is said to be missing, as a source revealed to Daily Times correspondent that the rites were also taking place in other forests around Ile-Ife vicinity.
OBA OKUNADE SIJUWADE, OONI OF IFE
According to one of the priests: “We are almost through. An important ingredient for sacrifice got missing but fixing it shouldn’t be a problem. Everyone should not stop to pray for the peace of our dear land. The Ooni was a symbol and not just a person. He can’t die, but can transit to another realm.”
Residents who live close to the palace have also expressed fears as the rites of Ooni gathered momentum over the weekend, as it was gathered that after the initial rites on Ooni at the Oduduwa Forest, the late king was moved to the Obatala House, which is also known as “Ile Ase”.
Strange things are already reportedly being noticed, even with no official announcement, while another segment of the residents feared that they could be caught unawares with the ongoing rites.
Ife Residents Warned To Stay In-Door Over Oro Rites
Confirming their knowledge of the missing ‘ingredient of sacrifice’, one of the residents said: “This one that we are hearing that something is missing and we do not know it, is worrisome. Most of us are scared and are being very careful. Many people are saying that it is the Aba Oba ku (a person who dies with the king) that has run away but we don’t know how true that is.”
In a related development, governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, spoke up on the death of the Ooni after his reported demise some weeks ago.