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The Ooni of Ife’s second-in-command and the leader of Ile-Ife traditional kingmakers, the Obalufe (Orunto) of Iremo quarters, Oba Solomon Omisakin is dead, aged 85.
He died at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Ile Ife on Thursday morning. It was learnt that he was on sick bed when the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, passed to the great beyond at a London Hospital but recovered from his sickness for a short while.
His death may have cast uncertainty on the selection process of the new Ooni of Ife which has resulted in litigations.
The palace is yet to address journalists but Vanguard quoted a source as saying:”He had concluded the process of selection of the new Ooni before he died’’
Another source on condition of anonymity said that his burial might come before the conclusion of selection process of new the new Ooni. He added that the demise of the Obalufe would not have any implication on the selection process.
He said the next in the rank, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, may step in to take charge of functions of the late Obalufe.
Oba Omisakin’s death is coming barely three months after the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade in a London hospital.
The Obalufe is also the prime minister of Ife and oversees affairs in the town in the absence of an Ooni.