NIGERIA: Late Ooni Of Ife's Wives To Be Inherited By Next Ooni

The wives of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, by tradition have been banned from re- marrying.

According to a palace priest, it's forbidden and they can only be inherited by the new Ooni. This order was prescribed by the Ife tradition since the Ooni is not considered dead but to have transited to a higher realm.

“The rule is general and applies to all Ooni that has passed on and not peculiar to the wives of Oba Sijuwade, the immediate past Ooni. There may not be a clearly defined repercussion against the tradition but it is advisable that the order is obeyed at all times and for all generations. The best that can happen to the Oloris left behind by any late Ooni is for them to remain single or be inherited by the reigning Ooni. Whether the wives are young or old does not matter, what matters is that the tradition must be sustained in the overall interest of the society.” the source said