As the final rites of passage for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade, rise to the peak on Monday, investigation has showed that the trees in the palace would soon be cut.

The felling of trees is the last stage of rites before the announcement of a king’s passage to the public. A source disclosed to CEOAFRICA  correspondent that the felling of trees would commence  tomorrow .

A source close to the palace said, “The rituals have commenced. The felling of trees which is the last stage will come up very soon. And would be done on an odd day which will be in strict adherence to the highest traditional regulations”.

“By odd day, I mean it won’t be on the 2nd or the 4th of the 6th. The family members of Oba Sijuwade have moved all their properties outside from the palace. Immediately the announcement is made, nobody is allowed to enter into the palace through the gate but through a small backdoor.”

The chiefs of Ile Ife however, insisted that the monarch is still alive. The head of Ife traditional chief, Mr Joseph Ijaodola said this in a meeting with the Governor Rauf Aregbesola, last week.

Also, a palace source said that preparation is ongoing to bring back the remains of the monarch from England.