Late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade
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The five wives (oloris) of the
departed Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, would mourn for one year as a
mark of respect for the monarch who passed away on July 28, 2015, a
family member has said.
Speaking in a telephone interview with
our correspondent on Thursday, the family member, who spoke on condition
of anonymity, said all the wives of the departed monarch were barred by
Ife tradition not to speak to journalists for one year after the death
of the king.
“The wives cannot talk to the press
within one year of the monarch’s death. They cannot even attend
flamboyant parties or events. There’s nothing the wives can do about
that.
“After six months of mourning, the wives
can attend low-key parties organised by close relatives. The family
member has to be very close for the wives to attend,” the source said.
Sijuwade reportedly passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at the age of 85 years. He was born on January 1, 1930.
His wives were Morisola, Ladun, Odunayo, Adedolapo and Linda and their ages are between 40 and 60.
Sijuwade’s first wife, olori Yetunde, the mother of the first son, Adetokunbo, died some years ago.
He became the 50th Ooni of Ife at the
age of 50 in 1980, when he mounted the throne of his forebears in a
colourful event witnessed by prominent Nigerians.
It will be recalled that shortly after
the transition of the monarch, a palace chief, who also spoke on
condition of anonymity, had said the wives cannot remarry.
The chief said Ife tradition forbids the wives of a departed Ooni from remarrying because the Ooni never dies.
“The Ooni lives on; he doesn’t die. He only transits to a higher realm. This is why his wives cannot remarry,” the chief said.
Title : Late ONI of IFE Sijuwade’s wives to mourn for one year
Description : Late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade ADVERTISEMENT The five wives (oloris) of the departed Ooni of If...
