State, western Nigeria, suggest that there is panic
among residents in the area over the burial rites
of the late Olu of Ikeja Kingdom, Oba Rauf Adeniyi
Aremu Matemi.
According to a circulating rumour, the burial of the late Oba of Ikeja,
who was declared dead last week Tuesday, includes the
slicing off of '7 heads' to be buried alongside the late
Oba.
The monarch was said to have died in his palace after a
brief illness and since then, there have been restriction
of movement in Ikeja area due to burial rites allegedly
being carried out on the death of the traditional ruler.
All businesses and shops at Ikeja local government were
closed down for business as a mark of honour for the
departed monarch.
However, commercial vehicles and tricycles (Keke
Napep) operators were seen going about with their
businesses.
When newsmen visited the palace Wednesday morning,
traditional rulers, Iyaloja, Baales, members of the Hausa
community were there to mourn the monarch.
It was gathered that some rituals were also being
performed in the honour of the late Oba at the palace.
Some traditional chiefs were also seen wearing white
wrappers as well.
Attempt to find out the cause of the death of the
monarch, one of his chiefs, who did not disclose his
name, said such information could not be disclosed to
the media because of some rituals that needed to be
carried out first.
"We can't talk to the media now. There are some rituals
that needed to be performed when an Oba dies and that
is more important than what you came for.
"See, we don't announce the death of a king on the
pages of newspapers considering the fact that we are
yet to properly inform some Obas (monarchs) of his
demise," he said.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the
late ruler was not sick and was reported to have shared
jokes with people at his palace before he passed on.
Since the demise of the Oba of Ikeja, the below message
has been circulating on the beheading ritual that would
be needed to be performed on the monarch's death.
Though Naij.com cannot ascertain the credibility of the
message:
Dear Friends
Please be informed that the Oba of Ikeja went to be with
his ancestors on Tuesday and because of this,
movement especially at night for those living within
Ikeja and its environs especially Anifowose, Obafemi
Awolowo Way, Alausa, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way,
Ipodo, Computer Village, Oba Akran and Ikeja GRA
would be restricted until he is buried.
The Oro Cult will be coming out every night to pay
homage until he is buried.
You are advised to get back home early and stay indoors
if you live in these vicinities.
Please advise relations and friends who might be coming
into these area of Lagos to exercise caution. Also be
mindful as you step out very early in the morning to
work.
Please broadcast to save souls.
Meanwhile, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assemvly,
Honourable Adeyemi Ikudoriji, has described the demise
of the the Olu of Ikeja, Oba Matemi, as shocking and
highly regrettable.
In a press release signed on his behalf by his Chief Press
Secretary, Mr Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji declared that the
sudden death of the highly revered royal father is not
only sudden but sad, and highly unfortunate.
"It is, therefore, sad and most unfortunate for us to lose
such a pro-people and peace-loving royal father of his
status at such a time like this when his wisdom and
vast knowledge is highly sought after by all," Ikuforiji
added.
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