OONI'S BURIAL STALLED ,AS 'ABOBAKU' ABSCONDS

Unconfirmed report have stated the burial of
Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade may have been
stalled as the ‘Abobaku’ – a person elected to be
buried alive with the king- have absconded.
The Paradigm learnt that ‘Abobaku’ is a person
selected by the traditional chiefs of Ile Ife to live
and die with the king. They are said to be treated
well and showered with a lot of care and gifts
while they are alive.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade
However, in a new twist, the ‘Abobaku’ ran away
following the confirmation of the death of the
Oba on several media platforms, despite denials
by the Traditional Royal Council of Ife.
Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, had
yesterday disclosed that formal announcement of
Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade’s death will be
made on Wednesday (today).
According to Yoruba tradition, a king does not
die alone. His burial rites include being buried
with other people.

‘Abobaku’ lives his life for the king and he is
buried alongside the king. In the authentic
tradition, just as there is a lineage that become
king, there is also always a family dedicated to
the ancient belief of dying with the king.
Oba Adereti, who is also head of Oro Cult in Ile-
Ife, had while making the statement on Tuesday
warned residents of the ancient town, whether
male or female, to remain indoor during the Oro
rite, which will take place between 9am and 4pm,
Wednesday.
“This is an official statement from the palace of
Awara of Iwara-Ife, who is 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. “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 the Oro will be out.”
It is not yet clear if the Traditional Royal Council
will go ahead with the announcement with the
fresh development of the disappearance of the
‘Abobaku’