Ooni: Palace staff beats gong to douse tension

AS controversy trails the status of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, some people suspected to be workers in the palace were sighted beating gong in some areas of the ancient town on Monday, in an apparent bid to douse tension.

The development came as kingmakers met at the Ile Oodua, where Ooni’s palace is situated.

Residents and indigenes of Ile-Ife were told to go about their normal daily activities without fear, just as traditional rites continued in the town.

Some people believed to have been acting on the instruction of the Royal Traditional Council (RTC) of Ife moved round the town, beating the gong and urging people to go about their daily businesses.

 Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that those that beating the gong around the town were sighted at Enuwa, Oja'fe and Moore areas as early as 6.00 a.m.

A resident, identified as Eludire Thomas, hinted that those that beat the gong and made the announcement targeted markets and moved round, telling people to remain calm.

“We saw them at Enuwa and Oja'fe, moving round the town and announcing to people to disregard all rumour about Oba Sijuwade was dead.,” he said.

Meanwhile, some Ile-Ife kingmakers met at Ile Oodua, Ooni’s palace for about 20 minutes on Monday, though details and purpose of the meeting were not revealed.

A palace source, however, said the meeting may not be unconnected with traditional rites that must be performed before formal announcement of Ooni's passage would be made.