The true picture of the status of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, whose reported demise has remained a controversial issue, is becoming clearer as sources close to the palace confirmed yesterday that relatives of the monarch have started evacuating their personal belongings from the palace.
The sources told The Guardian that removal of personal effects of the royal family began yesterday and continued yesterday.
Traditional Rites have begun today as the Inner Chief caucus met.
A source told The Guardian that in Ife Kingdom and in accordance with the rich culture and customs of the ancient town, a reigning Ooni is presumed to be alive until all necessary rites are observed and appropriate chief makes public announcement regarding his passage.