Reliable sources within the Ile-Ife traditional council and king makers on Thursday confirmed to our correspondent that Obalufe, Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin has demised.
It was learnt that the Obalufe tittle is the second in command to the Ooni of Ife.
Omisakin who is the second in command to Ooni of Ife and leader of Ife kingmakers reportedly passed on in the early hours of Thursday.
It was gathered that Omisakin was on sick bed when late Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II passed on at a London Hospital, after a brief illness.
When our correspondent visited Obalufe’s residence at Iremo in Ile-Ife, relations and some residents of Ile-Ife were seen discussing the development in groups.
It was observed that many of the residents were in confusion as regards whether or not Obafule is alive.
“The death of a prominent person like this are not announced immediately. It has procedures and we should not forget that in the absence of Ooni, he is the number one traditional ruler,” one of them said.
However, there are palpable fear that the demise of Obalufe may affect the selection process of new Ooni.
When asked if the reported demise would have effect on the ongoing selection process, one of the king makers said, “it may be delayed.”
Though, arrangements are reportedly being made by the relations for mourning and burial preparations before the conclusion of selection process of new Ooni.
With Obalufe’s demise, the next in the rank, Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, will step in to take charge of functions of Obalufe, who is said to make official pronouncement of the new Ooni of Ife.
Meanwhile, a faction of the Giesi Royal family have called for a re-composition of the screening committee set up to suggest names that could be presented to the Ile-Ife kingmakers to occupy the vacant stool of Ooni.
It would be recalled that Daily Times had exclusively reported that members of the Giesi Ruling House are currently divided into factions over the selection of candidate(s) for the vacant stool of Ooni.
