SaharaReporters has learned that the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, the death of whom will soon be officially announced, died at the London Clinic, located at 20 Devonshire Place in London.

The palace of the late Oba is still denying his passing, but Premium Times reported at the weekend revealed that his body has already been secretly flown into Nigeria and placed within the palace to enable death rites of passage to commence.

His death is expected to be officially announced as soon as the required traditional rituals are concluded in Ile-Ife.

The Ooni was rushed to London on Friday July 24, and was taken from Heathrow Airport in an Ambulance to the clinic where he passed four days later.

As expected of tradition, the death of Ooni is being wrapped in secrecy by the traditional council in Ile-Ife. SaharaReporters has confirmed the death of the monarch, but the traditional council, which began the required rites of passage last weekend, still maintains that the Ooni is “hale and hearty”.

The Oba was conspicuously absent at his son’s wedding yesterday, however, he was represented by his traditional staff of office.