The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade has passed on. The paramount traditional ruler died on Tuesday five days after he was flown to the United Kingdom in an air ambulance after he slumped.
An Osun traditional ruler, who pleaded anonymity confirmed the news to PUNCH.
“The Ooni is dead. It is true. He died about two hours ago in the UK. His two oloris (wives) – Olori Moni and Olori Odun – were with him in the UK. He travelled out for treatment anytime he fell ill but he couldn’t make it this time. It is sad but I believe it is God’s time. There was nothing anyone could do to stop it.
“Tokunbo, his eldest child, will probably leave for the UK this evening. There is nothing we can do but we take solace in the fact that he lived well. The proper announcement will be done later,”
Born on January 1, 1930, Sijuwade became the fiftieth ruler of the ancient kingdom of Ife after he ascended the throne in December 1980.