In the tradition of the cradle of the Yoruba race and following the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, traditionalists in Ile-Ife, Osun state, have declared a seven-day sacred traditional Oro festival.
During the seven-day period of the festival, residents of the ancient town, especially females must not stay outside beyond 10 p.m.
The reason for the declaration of the Oro festival was to kick start the formal process of passage of the Ooni. This Oro festival is the beginning of other rites and Etutu (sacrifices) that are to follow in the coming days.
Informed sources believe it is after this festival that the formal announcement of the death of Ooni will be made.
It is to be noted that despite this Oro festival and other activities pointing to the contrary the Ooni chiefs have continued to dismiss and described as mere rumour the death of the King.
Some other sources however, have said that the festival had nothing to do with the death of the Ooni.
