The ancient town of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State has been thrown into mourning following the demise of its traditional ruler, the Oloba Oodaye of Oba-Ile, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade.

The revered monarch, whose reign witnessed relative peace and socio-cultural development in the community, reportedly passed away on Friday morning.

Oba Agunbiade spent 38 years on the throne.

His demise has left a huge vacuum in the traditional institution of the town.

Though an official announcement from the palace is yet to be made public in accordance with Yoruba tradition, credible palace sources confirmed the monarch’s passing to Weekend Hope, describing it as “a monumental loss to the people of Oba-Ile.”

As part of traditional rites, all shops and marketplaces within the town have been ordered to shut down temporarily, while residents are expected to observe certain cultural decorum that accompany the transition of a monarch.

Traditional rites of passage are expected to commence immediately and will span several days, in line with the customs of the town.