As part of
rites of passage for the monarch, informed palace sources said 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.
According to
Vanguard, there was anxiety in Ile Ife yesterday over the restriction of
movements being mooted as part of the rites of passage for the Ooni of Ife, Oba
Okunade Sijuwade.
The leader of
Oro cult in Ile-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti on Monday said formal declaration of Oba
Sijuade’s passage would be done today when Oro rites are expected to take
centre stage.
He also added
that 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.
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.
He warned
newsmen to disregard further information about Oba Sijuade that does not
emanate from the Royal Traditional Council, saying the town will deal with
anyone that flout its directive on the matter.
However,
despite the appeal, residents were seen buying basic needs in preparation for
the restrictions that may last for hours.
At many
Automated Teller Machines, ATM, points visited in the town, long queues were
seen and in markets across Ile Ife, residents were shopping till very late in
the evening.
Also, some
residents, especially the non-indigenes, sources said have left for neighboring
towns in fear.
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.”
Vanguard
Na big thin o no bi small
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