Ooni’s deputy Obalufe dies at 85

The second in command to the Ooni of Ife and head of Ife kingmakers, the Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunso Omisakin, is dead. He died yesterday at 85.

It was learnt that the Obalufe was on his sick bed when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, passed on. But he recovered for a short while.He died amid ongoing plans to pick a new Ooni.Those at the palace tried to avoid talking, saying they were not ready to speak to reporters.

But a relation, Chief Iyiola Alowooja, told The Nation that he was at the hospital, to see the late monarch but was turned back.

He said: “I was in the hospital but I was not allowed in. The staff told me to go home and meet the Obalufe, that he has left the hospital.”

One of those at the palace advised that anyone, who wants information, should come back in a few days.

He said rites had to be carried out before announcing the Obalufe’s passage.

 A source said his death would not stop the selection of the Ooni.

The source said his funeral might come before the conclusion of the process.

The Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, may take over the Obalufe’s functions.