Curfew in Ile Ife Today As The final Passage For Dead ONI OF IFE Begins

by Benson Agoha | Nigeria

There is Curfew today in the town of Ile-Ife between 9am and 4p, as the traditional rites for the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II is performed.

Late Oni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II (1930 - 2015).

As the Oni of Ife, a First Class Traditional Ruler and one of Nigeria's most popular traditional rulers is dead and, in keeping with tradition, his death is to be formerly announced today. But the monarch died two weeks ago at the Saint Mary Hospital, London.

In keeping with custom, the death of a Traditional Ruler is not broken immediately he dies, but is held a closely guarded secret till necessary death and rites are performed. 

Residents of Ile-Ife, which hosts the late Monarch's Throne have been asked to stay indoors today Wednesday, 12, 2015 when his death is to be formerly announced.

Just to be clearer: The curfew runs between 9am-4pm.

Oba Layi Adereti, the Awara of Iwara-Ife, who made the disclosure said the preparation for the burial of the monarch will commence immediately.

Before Monday's announcement, the death of the Monarch has been the subject of the rumour mill which had always been denied by palace Chiefs - as on previous occasions.

But now, the curfew being imposed for the Oro festival, known as the final rite of passage for the dead Ooni, to formally make his death public.

"Oba Adereti, who is also the head of Oro Cult in Ile-Ife, warned all residents, both male and female of the ancient town to keep indoors during the Oro rites" according to Nigeria Camera.

He said subsequent rites will follow the Oro rites and proclamation and warned residents to keep away from the palace area.

The warning, customarily issued to women, is being extended to all gender whether male, female or transgender.

He statement read thus:

“This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of Iwara-Ife who is the head of Oro diety that on Wednesday 12th August 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife. The proclamation will be made public during the Oro festival, being the final rites on the demise of Ooni of Ife.

“The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm during which the Oro diety will be out. With the announcement, people are advised to stay in-door for the period when the Oro will be out.”

Ile Ife Town hosts one of Nigeria's Federal Universities - the University of Ife - and expectedly, students of the University reacted promptly to the announcement.  Many left for their various states away from the Ife.