According to the tradition of Ile-Ife, major markets in the ancient town will be closed down for the next seven days after the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade, Olubuse II.
Although there has not been any official declaration of the Oba’s passing on, the Ile-Ife traditional council visited the Osun state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for a closed-door meeting which sources say was a clear indication of the monarch’s death.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade with Osun state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola
READ ALSO: Yoruba Tradition: How Ooni Of Ife’s Death Should Be Announced
This Day reported that the council, led by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, told the governor that the tradition of Ife on the announcement of the death of an Ooni should be paramount in the minds of the people, the more reason they have to wait for the authority to release the necessary information on the true state of affair on Oba Sijuwade.
Unlike Wednesday when crowds thronged to the palace to ascertain if the Ooni was dead, the palace was reportedly quiet Thursday when reporters visited the premises.
Residents were also said to have stockpiled food items in anticipation of the government’s official declaration of a mourning period and work-free days in the state, Premium Times reportedly informed.
The three major markets in Ile-Ife; Oja Tutun, Oja Ife and the Goat Market, would be closed for at least seven days after the announcement of the Ooni’s passage and shops within the vicinity of the palace, Ile Oodua, and all the areas within Enuwa, which is the area bordering the palace, will be closed for business.
READ ALSO: REVEALED! 5 Top Contenders For Ooni Of Ife’s Coveted Throne
According to This Day, a trader at Enuwa, who identified himself as Fayemi, said although markets would be closed and businesses would suffer, the importance of the Ooni of Ife removes any pain that might be suffered during the period of the traditional rites.
“We do not mourn our traditional ruler, we celebrate his passing away. That is why we say eku ayo, when we greet those affected.
“It will not be too much of a sacrifice to make if we have to close our businesses for a week or so for the Isoros to carry out their traditional rites,” he was quoted to have said.
“In ancient times, when the Ooni of Ife passes away, other Obas in Yorubaland vacate their traditional stools for the period a new leader was found and elected.
READ ALSO: BREAKING! Palace Denies Death Of Ooni, Says He Is Still Alive
“That is why the period for installing a new Ooni is short compared to other traditional stools in the land,” he added.
Another trader within the vicinity, identified as Solomon Adebayo, said people have been buying food from the markets since information came that the markets may be closed for about seven days.
He said: “Within the seven days, people will not move around and our businesses will be affected.”
The Ooni’s son, Adetokunbo, also lent his voice to the ongoing rumour over the death of his father when the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK visited their London home on Wednesday.
The post Ife Tradition: Read What Will Happen In The Next Seven Days After Ooni’s Demise appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.
Ife Tradition: Read What Will Happen In The Next Seven Days After Ooni’s Demise
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