Ooni’s body in Ile’gbo, says source
…As family moves property from palace
IN spite of continued denials that he is not dead, but hale and hearty, Daily Sun has gathered that the remains of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse II, were yesterday said to be in Ile’gbo, the coronation place for the highly respected monarch.
According to an informed palace source, Ile’gbo is located within Ile-Oodua as Ooni’s palace is fondly referred.
An Ife traditional chief who spoke to Daily Sun on condition of anonymity, said: “The body has since arrived the palace and was received by the members of Isoro cult early this week.”
“His journey to the throne started from the place called Ile’gbo. That is where he was installed as the Ooniand that is the place anyone that will succeed him will also be installed,” he added.
“The body is being preserved through traditional means. Details may not be too good for publication. All the rites will be done, while the body is kept there. But don’t expect formal announcement of his death in the next two weeks.
“It may take months, depending on how fast the Isoro members are able to conclude the necessary rites. The body is there as I speak with you, but non-members of Isoro can see it.
“Even, his family members can no longer see him again,” he said.
Also, Oba Sijuade’s family must have finished moving out their personal belongings out of the palace.
Also, about seven vehicles bearing the number plate of the Ooni were seen yesterday by 2 pm along Ibadan/Lagos Road heading for Ile-Ife. Some vehicles were also seen conveying furniture, bags and other personal effects of the family members to Ibadan and Lagos.
The Ooni died at St. Mary Hospital in Paddington, United Kingdom on July 28, of undisclosed illness. He died at 85 after he was flown abroad the previous Friday. Although there were controversies over the official confirmation of his death, it was gathered that the remains have already been brought down to Ile – Ife, Osun State, for rites of passage.