Ife traditional council ready for public proclamation on Ooni

‘Oro shows no respect for gender’

AFTER much dilly-dallying in line with age-long tradition, the Ife traditional council appears ready to make public official proclamation on the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunadde Sijuwade, Olubuse 11.

Sources close to the palace said the action would be taken tomorrow (Wednesday).

The disclosure was made by the Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti yesterday, while speaking on the preparation for the burial of the monarch who reportedly died in a London hospital on July 27.

He said Oro festival would be declared on Wednesday, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m, to coincide with the proclamation of the demise of the Ooni, either by the chiefs or the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

According to the traditional ruler, who spoke for the first time on the reported demise of the foremost monarch, the Oro festival is part of the final rites of passage for the Ooni.

Oba Adereti, who is also the head of the Oro Cult in the entire lfe land, said residents of the ancient town — male or female — would remain indoors during the Oro rites.

He noted that, after the Oro rites and the proclamation, other necessary rites would also follow. He, therefore, appealed to residents to comply with the restriction order from the palace in their own interest.

The monarch explained that, though only females are normally barred when Oro festival is declared, it has no respect for any gender this time around.

“This is an official statement from the palace of the Awara of Iwara-Ife, who is the head of Oro deity, that, on Wednesday August 12, 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 the Ooni of Ife.

“Residents of the ancient town are, therefore, urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m, during which the Oro diety will be out.