Ooni of Ife died in London hospital, Source confirms

Contrary to the position of the Ife Royal Council, sources can confirm that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has died at St. Mary's Hospital in the Paddington area of London.

Family sources said on Tuesday that the Oba, who was diabetic, was rushed to London last Friday after his health deteriorated.

The Royal Council of Ife today issued a statement describing the Ooni as being “hale and hearty", but that claim is untrue, one of our sources said. 

According to tradition, only the Council has the right to announce the passing-away of the Ooni.

The 85-year old Royal Father assumed the post of Ooni of Ife in 1980 as the 55th Ooni of Ife.