Ooni’s Demise: Fears As ‘Important Ingredient Of Sacrifice’ (Abobaku) Is On The Run

Residents of Ile-Ife are currently in fear over the planned Oro to conclude the rite of passage of the demised foremost Yoruba traditional ruler, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II.

As the transition rites are being performed on the remains of the late Oba Sijuwade Okunade II, an important ingredient of sacrifice is said to be missing.
A source told our correspondent that the burial rites for the late‎ Oba has begun at the Oduduwa shrine and other forests around Ile-Ife vicinity.

It was learnt that there were hitches ‎when members of different fraternity groups besieged the shrine.
Our correspondent gathered that some spirits had to be ‎invoked to pave way for a new successor but ‘the ingredient to do some rites were initially not available’.

One of the priests said:

“We are almost through. An important ingredient for sacrifice got missing but fixing it shouldn’t be a problem. Everyone should not stop to pray for the peace of our dear land. The Ooni was a symbol and not just a person. He can’t die, but can transit to another realm.”‎

Mea‎nwhile, there are palpable fears among residents, who live close to the palace as the rites of Ooni gain momentum.

It was learnt that after the initial rites on Ooni at the Odu‎duwa Forest, the late king was moved to the Obatala House, which is also known as “Ile Ase”.

Some of the residents confirmed that rites suggesting the occurrence of strange things are already being noticed, even with no official announcement.

Another segment of the residents feared that they could be caught unawares with the ongoing rites.
The residents informed our correspondent that they were aware about the missing ingredient.

“This one that we are hearing that something is missing and we do not know it, is worrisome. Most of us are scared and are being very careful. Many people are saying that it is the Aba Oba ku (a person who dies with the king) that has run away but we don’t know how true that is.” one of them said.

But when contacted, another palace priest said the idea of dying with the king has been abolished.
He explained that the residents have nothing to worry about, stressing that all the traditions are being observed carefully.

Earlier, while declaring the curfew, the palace in a statement said,

“This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of Iwara-Ife who is the head of Oro deity that on Wednesday 12th August 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife. The proclamation will be made public during the Oro festival, being the final rites on the demise of Ooni of Ife.

“The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9am and 4pm during which the Oro deity will be out. With the announcement, people are advised to stay in-door for the period when the Oro will be out.”

Some of the residents, who spoke to our correspondents, said that they suspected foul play on the part of the Oro cult organisers in Ile Ife.
According to them, there is a counter announcement that the curfew has been lifted.
“The announcement is just an attempt to tempt people. That’s unfair and only those who are not used to our tradition will fall victim,” one of the residents added.

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