ONDO : OWO BEGINS TRADITIONAL BURIAL RITES FOR LATE MONARCH
The ancient town of Owo in Ondo State remain calm and wore a mournful look following the demise of its traditional ruler, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, at 77.
When visited the town, Owo, it was noticed that people were seen discussing in groups and twos over the latest the development in the ancient town, as the news of the late monarch on Wednesday was like rummour before it was confirmed on Thursday.
While it was also observed that there were no human or vehicular restrictions in the town as economic activities were ongoing except at the palace and the king’s market that were deserted as mark of respect for the late monarch.
However, the palace was not accessible as the palace guards were on standby to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the ancient palace.
It was also observed that trees within the market had been cut off as part of the traditional rites for the late monarch.
Speaking on the development, Chief Niran Osuporu, the personal assistant to the late king, said that the monarch died Tuesday night in his palace after a brief illness. Adding that traditional burial rites for the late king had started according to the customs of the ancient town.
He posited that there was no restriction on movement as all processes were peaceful.Osuporu, who is one of the high chiefs of the town, said that the king’s market had been temporarily moved to another location until another king would be selected and installed in line with tradition of the town.
Informing that all chiefs in the town were forbidden to put on their beads as a mark of mourning of the late king.
Mr. Shina Olateru-Olagbegi, a younger brother of the late monarch, said that the death of the king was shocking but noted that the town was still calm and peaceful.
Olateru-Olagbegi also confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been put in place for the smooth traditional burial rites of the departed monarch.
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