The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade is dead. The popular ruler and the fiftieth ruler of Ife died in the UK at 5pm on the 28th of July, 2015. The monarch was flown 5 days ago to the UK via an air ambulance, after he slumped.
He was born on 1 January 1930, and died 28th, July, 2015. He is 85 years old.
A source from the Oba's camp who pleaded anonymity said :
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.
The governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola is being briefed on the Oba's death.