The Ooni-designate, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will today, Tuesday, October 23 arrive the ancient town of Ife to begin traditional rites leading to his coronation.
Prince Ogunwusi was on Monday named the 51st Ooni of Ife by Osun State government to succeed Oba Okunade Sijuwade who on July 28, 2015 joined his ancestors in a London hospital.
The Obadio of Ile-Ife and the head of Isoro cults, Oba Olajide Ifaloba said that “The Ooni-designate will arrive tomorrow (today) and this is authoritative”.
It was further learnt that all shops within the ancient town will be closed tomorrow as a mark of honour for the new Ooni.
Meanwhile, sources around Ile Oodua, the official Ooni’s palace said that the rites expected to precede entrance of an Ooni-designate into Ile Ife have been concluded, strengthening the royal entry expectation
The Oba Isoro, Oba Eluyele Olawenu, the Lowa Eredumi of Ile Ife, who according to the tradition will handle the installation rites of the monarch, earlier said only the Ifa oracle could determine the best time for him to enter the town.
According to the tradition of Ile Ife, Ooni does not only belong to Isoro cult but also manages its affairs with the help of Obadio, the head of all deities in the town.
It was learnt that members of Isoro cult held a crucial meeting to determine the form the installation rites would take, bearing in mind the approaching all-important Olojo festival.
Atmosphere in the ancient town of Ife remains calm with heavy security presence noticed in strategic areas of the town.
At the family house of the Oshinkola Ruling House, there was a police van parked with some armed policemen.
Commenting on the presence of the security men in the area, Sooko Adegbaju Adeyinka, said the family was adequately policed even before the announcement of new monarch.
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