By Gbenga Olarinoye

Osogbo—Kingmakers and traditional chiefs in Ile-Ife met at the palace of Ooni yesterday for a crucial meeting that lasted several hours.

Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11

Though the purpose of the meeting could not be ascertained as at press time, it was learnt that it may not be unconnected with reports that the remains of the monarch may have arrived the town.

The meeting, according to sources, may kick-start the rites of passage for the departed king.

It was gathered that as early as 6.00 a.m yesterday, town criers went round the town saying there was no cause for alarm and the people should continue with their normal activities.

Sources said that as the traditional chiefs meeting was on in the palace, the town criers were  carrying out their own assignment outside.

Those present at the meeting, according to sources were all the kingmakers who are the  traditional cabinet members of Ooni Sijuade.

The  titled chiefs present at the meeting were listed as Lowa, Jaaran, Agoro, Arode, Osanire, Laade, Lowate, Irabese, Lodikos, Obajion, Obalaran, Waasin and Obalaaye.

Those absent  were the Obalufe of the town, Chief Samuel Omisakin, the traditional prime minister and second- in-command to the monarch, who was ill and Chief Owoyemi, who was said to have also died recently.

Our source added that; “Whenever these people meet lengthy hours like that, it means something crucial or unusual has happened in the palace.”

Some unidentified people were also seen yesterday transferring bundles of white clothes from one vehicle to the other.

Also observed, were many traditional beads to be distributed to high ranking priests and their followers, apparently in preparation for the final rites.

However, a source in the town insisted that, the corpse had arrived the town which triggered crucial meetings  being held.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said very soon after the official announcement of the monarch’s passage, all markets and gates of the palace would be shut while curfew will be declared by traditionalists.