The Royal Court of Igbajo has dismissed widespread rumours alleging the death of the Owa of Igbajo, Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde, Onigemo I, describing the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
In a statement issued by the Traditional Secretary of the palace, Gbonjubola Loremikan Olorunnisola, the palace clarified that the monarch is “very much alive,” contrary to reports circulating across social media, print, and electronic platforms.
According to the palace, the confusion arose following the death of Prince Philip Adegboye Adegboyega Famodun, an illustrious son of Igbajo, whose passing threw the entire community into mourning. The palace noted that the misleading reports led to a flood of phone calls from concerned Nigerians, while some residents and well-wishers travelled long distances to the palace to confirm the monarch’s wellbeing.
“The palace wishes to express to the public that Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde, Onigemo I, the Owa of Igbajo land, is alive,” the statement read.
While debunking the rumour, the palace acknowledged the painful loss of Prince Famodun, describing him as an irreplaceable son of the soil who worked tirelessly to leave indelible marks among his political associates and the Igbajo community.
The statement also highlighted an ongoing legal matter at the Court of Appeal, Akure, explaining that a substantive appeal and a stay of execution have been filed against the judgment of the High Court in Ile-Ife. With the case adjourned to January 2026 after the last sitting on November 16, 2025, the palace emphasized that the status quo remains.
“We commiserate with the Gbeleru royal house, the immediate family of Prince Philip Adegboyega Famodun and the entire Igbajo community. May the Lord grant everyone the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the palace added.
The Royal Court urged the public to disregard the false reports and await verified information from the appropriate palace authorities.
