The Royal Traditional Council of Ife has debunked reports that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade is dead.

The Royal Traditional Council is a combination of traditional chiefs and title holders. It said the report that the monarch died in a hospital in the United Kingdom is false.

The Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola briefed journalists at the Ooni’s palace in Ile Ife on Wednesday and said the monarch is hale and hearty.

“I hereby dispel the rumour that our baba, the Olubuse is dead. As I speak with you, the chiefs have not heard anything like that. This is not the first time such rumour will be carried about our father.

“They did it in 1982 , also in 2004 and now, these people are coming up with another rumour. Oba Sijuade remains in sound state of health,” he said.

After the news broke on Tuesday night, residents of the town trooped to the palace to ascertain it.

However, the main gate of the palace was locked and only few journalists and chiefs were allowed to enter while others were shut out.

Janeth J