Fear has grip the people of Ile-Ife and its environs over the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as worshippers of Oro (traditional rite) began the annual festival in the ancient town on Friday night.
Oro is known to be a festival across Yoruba land, which forbids the womenfolk from going outdoors in the night during the period of the festival.
Although, sources from Ife priest told CEOAfrica that the festival, scheduled to commence on Friday night had nothing to do in connection with the demise of the Ooni, but the public believe otherwise according to the information been spread across social media on the restriction of movement at night in Ile-Ife.
The sources, however, urged not to mistaken the festival, which would last for seven nights, to the rites of passage of the Ooni.
They also insisted that the Ooni was still alive, contrary to the media reports that the monarch died in the United Kingdom.
Although some youths interviewed by our correspondent said they were not aware of the festival, they said the festival would force everybody to remain indoors at night throughout the seven- day period.
A former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Osun State, Mr. Sikiru Ayedun, confirmed to our correspondent that the festival would start on Friday night.
Ayedun, who is from Ife, said, “Yes, Oro will start tonight (Friday). But it has nothing to do with the rumour of the death of Baba (Ooni).
“It is an annual festival and it holds around this time. So, it has nothing to do with the rumour in town.” The news of the death of the Ooni was reported by the media on Wednesday, but the 16 chiefs, known as the Royal Traditional Council of the palace, led by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, debunked the news.