By Gbenga Olarinoye
Osogbo—Ooni-designate, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday, commenced the 21-day solitary confinement in Ilofi, the place where a would-be Ooni is ‘baked’  for the task.

Ooni designate, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi acknowledging cheers from the crowd on his arrival in Ile-Ife yesterday. Pix By Gbenga Olarinoye

Ilofi, located in Iremo Quarters of Ile Ife, is a place where Ooni-elect will be for 21 days, and members of Isoro Cult, to which he belongs, will perform installation rites.

Earlier yesterday, Ooni-designate, received visitors in his residence and later held a close door meeting with some palace chiefs.

Although the meeting with the chiefs was held behind closed doors, but an aide to the Ooni designate, who preferred anonymity, in a telephone chat, told Vanguard: “It was likely Ooni-elect asked the chiefs about what awaits him in Ilofi.

“He was in high spirits and exchanged pleasantries with people. He did not panic or wear any look that suggested he was displeased. He remains very calm and expectant.”

According to sources, Ooni-elect was led to Ilofi in a convoy of few cars at exactly 4:40pm by Obadio, the head of all deities in Ile Ife and other members of Isoro cult.

According to reliable sources; the moment the rites begin in Ilofi, Ooni-elect, will no longer receive visitors or see any body, other than members of Isoro cult.

Meantime, pre-installation rites for the Ooni-elect had earlier taken place at the palace of Obadio of Ife, Oba Olajide Ifaloba.

But speaking to newsmen on phone on Thursday, the leader of Isoro Cult, Ifaloba, said members of the cult are forging ahead with some installation rites that do not require the presence of an Ooni.