The Osun State Governor has underscored the death of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade saying that the monarch was not dead but has gone to join his ancestors in the world beyond.

This was revealed while meeting with the Ife Traditional Chiefs and siblings of the late monarch at the Government House, Oshogbo.

Meanwhile, the Ife Royal Traditional Council and the family of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade has been scheduled for Friday, according to a statement credited to the first son of the late monarch, Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade.

Tokunbo and one of his siblings, Princess Aderounmu Fadeyi, accompanied the chiefs to meet with Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo, where they made the official announcement of the transition of the Ooni.

Tokunbo said: “We are here to tell you that Baba (Oba Sijuwade) is gone, his remain is expected back in the country today (Thursday) and will be buried on Friday by 10am.”

The governor, who had kept mum over his last discussion with Ooni finally broke the silence by revealing what the late monarch discussed with him before he died.

Aregbesola, during the special sitting of the House of Assembly, said that the late monarch sent him a text message before he travelled out; he read the content of the message to the house.

 “Your Excellency, I ‘m still not feeling too good, so, I am travelling abroad for further medical attention this week. I place you and your government under God’s continuous guidance.”

Aregbesola, however commiserated with the family and chiefs of Ife, he said the late monarch did not die but had gone to join his ancestors. The governor said that death was not the end of human existence according to the Yoruba belief but a transition to another realm.

It was gathered that the departed monarch would be buried beside his predecessor, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, in a mausoleum inside the palace.

A reliable palace source disclosed to our correspondents that the tomb had been prepared in readiness for the burial, which would be done in secret.

Our correspondent learnt that an interdenominational service would be held for the monarch on Friday inside the palace. “The interdenominational service is for Yoruba sons and daughters from every walk of life to come and bid our revered monarch goodbye,” the source, who is an Ife chief, said.