Politicians across the length and breadth of the country have put their condolence messages to the government and people of Osun State on hold as the Royal Traditional Council of Ife Wednesday debunked reports that the Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, is dead.
The monarch was reported to have died in a hospital in the UK on Tuesday and the news of his death confirmed by various sources close to the palace.
And the Osun State House of Assembly issued a statement mourning the 85-year-old.
Briefing journalists at the Ooni’s palace, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, however said the monarch was hale and hearty.
His words: “I hereby dispel the rumour that our baba, the Olubuse is dead. As I speak with you, the chiefs have not heard anything like that. This is not the first time such rumour will be carried about our father.
“They did it in 1982, also in 2004 and now, these people are coming up with another rumour. Oba Sijuwade remains in sound state of health.”
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, reacted by ordering the withdrawal of a condolence message he had earlier sent to journalists for publication.
“We have information that Osun State Government has not issued any statement and that perhaps Oni is not dead yet,” an aide to Ajimobi said.
When contacted, a spokesperson to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said the government would make a statement at the appropriate time.
