A prominent Yoruba traditional ruler, Oba Festus Oluwole Makinde, has reportedly died.
Reports obtained on Wednesday revealed that the Onigbein of Igbeinland passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85 in the Mowe community of the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to an insider, the palace grounds, which double as the Mowe community NYSC sub-office in the local government, had a somber atmosphere as locals came to honour the monarch.
“We barely managed to hold our CDS weekly meetings today and have been told there won’t be any holding this week again. We learnt this morning that the king passed away yesterday,” The PUNCH quoted a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who spoke anonymously.
A condolence register has also been placed at the palace entrance. Due to the development, the Local Government Inspector for the NYSC Mowe sub-office, Oluyemisi Disu, has that the corps members’ monthly clearance is now rescheduled.
A statement made available to the media house by the Corper’s Liaison Officer, Isah Abiodun, reads: “As a result of traditional rites of passage and respect for the monarch, who recently joined his ancestors, there will not be a Community Development Service group meeting tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, 2023. Also, the office will not be open until Monday, November 20, 2023.
“For those that haven’t done their clearances, they should meet me (LGI) at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Sagamu, Ogun State, tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, 2023, between 8 and 11 am.”