According to a circulating rumour, the burial of the late Oba of Ikeja, who was declared dead last week Tuesday, includes the slicing off of '7 heads' to be buried alongside the late Oba.
The monarch was said to have died in his palace after a brief illness and since then, there have been restriction of movement in Ikeja area due to burial rites allegedly being carried out on the death of the traditional ruler.
All businesses and shops at Ikeja local government were closed down for business as a mark of honour for the departed monarch.
However, commercial vehicles and tricycles (Keke Napep) operators were seen going about with their
businesses.
When newsmen visited the palace Wednesday morning, traditional rulers, Iyaloja, Baales, members of the Hausa community were there to mourn the monarch.
It was gathered that some rituals were also being performed in the honour of the late Oba at the palace. Some traditional chiefs were also seen wearing white wrappers as well.
Attempt to find out the cause of the death of the monarch, one of his chiefs, who did not disclose his name, said such information could not be disclosed to the media because of some rituals that needed to be carried out first.
We can't talk to the media now. There are some rituals that needed to be performed when an Oba dies and that is more important than what you came for.
"See, we don't announce the death of a king on the pages of newspapers considering the fact that we are yet to properly inform some Obas (monarchs) of his demise," he said.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the late ruler was not sick and was reported to have shared jokes with people at his palace before he passed on.
Since the demise of the Oba of Ikeja, the below message has been circulating on the beheading ritual that would be needed to be performed on the monarch's death. Though agbosblog.com cannot ascertain the credibility of the message:
Dear Friends
Please be informed that the Oba of Ikeja went to be with his ancestors on Tuesday and because of this, movement especially at night for those living within Ikeja and its environs especially Anifowose, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ipodo, Computer Village, Oba Akran and Ikeja GRA would be restricted until he is buried.
The Oro Cult will be coming out every night to pay homage until he is buried.
You are advised to get back home early and stay indoors if you live in these vicinities.
Please advise relations and friends who might be coming into these area of Lagos to exercise caution. Also be mindful as you step out very early in the morning to work.
Meanwhile, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikudoriji, has described the demise of the the Olu of Ikeja, Oba Matemi, as shocking and highly regrettable.
In a press release signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji declared that the sudden death of the highly revered royal father is not only sudden but sad, and highly unfortunate.
"It is, therefore, sad and most unfortunate for us to lose such a pro-people and peace-loving royal father of his status at such a time like this when his wisdom and vast knowledge is highly sought after by all," Ikuforiji added