Even though the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has been reported dead, the palace in Ile Ife and his chiefs have continued to vehemently deny his passing.
The Chief Priest of Ile Ife, has explained how the next paramount traditional ruler of Ile-ife would be chosen, if it is eventually confirmed that the Ooni of Ife has indeed died.
The Ooni is expected to be chosen from the four ruling houses after the chief priest would have consulted the Ifa oracle.
The Obadio Agbaye of Ile-Ife, who also doubles as the chief priest,Chief Olajide Farotimi Faloba, revealed to Vanguard how the process will be carried out;“I am the Chief priest and the king-maker to the Ooni stool because I am the mouthpiece of the gods. So, if there should be coronation, I will be the one that will pronounce it.““There will not be any form of ceremony of burial while other traditional rites and rituals will take place as the oracle reveals. There are 201 Yoruba deities and temples scattered worldwide, 201 of them are in Ife. Among these deities, the only speaking one is the legendary living Ooni.”
“If it happens that an Ooni dies, there are sacrifices and signs that will be performed. Part of them is the closing of the palace main gate. Also, the messenger will go around the town with a gong to announce the demise, while the trees in the ancient town will be cut down, markets will remain shut to customers and the entire Ife city will be thrown into mourning. Also, if an Ooni dies, the 201 deities temples will be duly informed.”
“When ever there is a demise of Ooni, the kingmaker and the Ifa Oracle will pick the next Ooni. 10 or 20 princes may contest after they might have been presented by their families, but the Ifa priest will consult the oracle that will choose while myself as the kingmaker will perform the necessary rituals that will certify him to mount the throne of Ooni; without this rituals, such potential monarch would not be Ooni.”
Yoruba has a rich tradition. The age-long culture gives form, content and predictability to the beliefs of its people. The custom has been inherited from generation to generation. The symbol of the unity of the race is kingship. Its cradle is Ile-Ife, the cherished sacred abode of its progenitor, Oduduwa.“
Whenever any Owooni (Ooni) Adimula joins his ancestors, the news is not broken without following the due process of culture. Ooni is the property of Yoruba race. He is the custodian of the household of Oduduwa, its shrine and the protector of its legacies. Therefore, it is absolutely a taboo for any prince, royal family and palace chiefs to break the news without clearance or approval from the appropriate traditional quarters.“
After ascertaining that the Ooni has waja (died), the palace chiefs are expected to inform the other Oduduwa children, especially the Alaafin, the descendant of Oranmiyan Akinorun, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Oba of Benin, the Onipopo of Popo, the Onisabe of Sabe, and the Owa Obokun Adimula.“
The news would also be broken to other towns and vassal towns. Days of mourning will be declared. The attention of the towns and villages will focus on Ile-Ife, the Orirun, where their kings obtained their legitimate crowns.“In ancient times, a celebration will be proclaimed, with its characteristic visitation to the cradle by monarchs, accompanied by their chiefs and families. The palace chiefs will play dominant roles during the burial ceremony.
After the new Ooni is crowned, Yoruba monarchs will accord him automatic recognition and respect. He may visit selected palaces of his brother obas in the spirit of brotherhood. As a prince, the history of the race must be on his lip. He is expected to be factual. In the days of yore, the Ooni was the custodian of knowledge.”
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