On July 1, Oba Rauf Adeniyi Aremu Matemi, the Olu of Ikeja passed away in his palace after a brief illness and plans for his funeral are currently being put together. All businesses and shops in Ikeja Local Government Area were closed down the following day as a mark of respect for the departed monarch.
At the Oba's palace, traditional figures, market women and members of the Hausa community were all present top pay their respects. Some rituals were also being performed in his honour at the palace, with some traditional chiefs wearing the traditional white wrappers as demanded by custom.
One senior chief said: "There are some rituals that needed to be performed when an oba dies. For instance, we don't announce the death of a king on the pages of newspapers."
Human rights bodies have however, warned local Ikeja residents to be wary of their movements, especially at night. Those considered most vulnerable are people living in the Anifowose, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ipodo, Computer Village, Oba Akran and Ikeja GRA areas.
Among other things, the traditional Oro cult will be coming out every night to pay homage until the monarch is buried. Residents are being advised to get back home early and stay indoors if they live in these vicinities.
One resident said: "Oba of Ikeja is to be buried with 7 heads from d 7 districts, Anifowoshe, Awolowo way, Computer Village, Ipodo, Oba Akran, Mobolaji Bank Anthony way, Ikeja GRA. I don't know if other residents see d procession on going from every night, why seven heads? I am stuck at home, abeg I like my head".