Late on Friday night, a fire broke out at the palace of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, gutting a section of the palace. The incident was caused by a power surge that exploded through electrical appliances in the affected apartment. Though no one was injured, properties worth millions of naira were reportedly lost. According to a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, no cultural items were lost during the inferno.
The fire was swiftly put out through the combined efforts of the Government Fire Service, OAU Fire Service, and Palace Emergency Control Unit, preventing it from spreading beyond the affected building. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his sympathy to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, and his family. In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the incident as unfortunate and prayed that God would continue to protect the monarch and his family.
The Ooni of Ife is a highly revered traditional ruler in Nigeria, and his palace is a significant cultural and historical landmark. The incident has generated concern and sadness among Nigerians, particularly those from Ile-Ife and its environs. The authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are taking measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The Ooni of Ife has been praised for his swift response to the incident, as he immediately activated the palace emergency control unit, which worked alongside the fire service to contain the fire. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved safety measures and fire prevention strategies in public buildings and monuments across Nigeria.
While no lives were lost during the fire incident, the destruction of properties worth millions of naira at the Ooni’s Palace is a significant loss to the nation’s cultural heritage. The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of ensuring adequate fire prevention measures and safety protocols in public places. The authorities must take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, particularly in historical and cultural monuments.