Ooni of Ife: Traditional drum moved to palace court ahead of announcement

Ahead the official announcement of the passage for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, there was anxiety in Ile Ife yesterday over the restriction of movements. As part of the rites of passage for the monarch, a particular drum that is only beaten on the night preceding the formal announcement of Ooni’s death, was sighted in the palace court, suggesting that the final rites were nearing completion.

The leader of Oro cult in Ile-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti on Monday said there would be restriction of movement between 9am and 4pm when Oro procession would move round the town to formally announce Ooni’s passage. But the Royal Traditional Council of Ile Ife, dismissed the restriction order and appealed to people not to panic, and go about their normal lawful businesses. The Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, in a message monitored on an Ile Ife-based radio station, said there will be no restriction of movement in the town, adding also that no procession of Oro would move through the town.

Meanwhile, Dean Students’ Affairs of OAU, late yesterday told students of the institution to stay indoors during the duration of the burial rites. A statement by the Acting Dean, Dr. I. M. Durosinmi , said: “This is to inform the generality of students that there shall be a curfew in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, 12th of August, 2015 from 9am to 4pm and from 11pm till dawn. Students are therefore strongly advised to stay on campus and those off-campus to remain indoors. The Division of the Students’ Affairs counts on the maturity and sense of responsibility of Great Ife students and appeals to all students to comply with the information and continue to keep the peace.”

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About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.