The Palace of the Owa of Igbajo has dismissed reports circulating on social media that the incumbent monarch, Alayeluwa Oba Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde is dead.
In a statement issued by the Traditional Secretary of the Royal Court of Igbajo, Gbonjubola Loremikan Olorunnisola, on Tuesday, the palace said the monarch is very much alive and healthy.
The statement noted that the entire community, however, mourns the death of Prince Philip Adegboyega Famodun, who it described as an illustrious son of Igbajo land.
The palace said it was necessary to correct what it described as a confusing story that had spread across social media, print and electronic platforms, falsely suggesting that the monarch had passed.
According to the statement, “The misleading report prompted numerous calls from concerned Nigerians and led many others to visit the palace to inquire about the monarch’s wellbeing.
“The palace wishes to inform the general public that Alayeluwa Oba Dr Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde, Onigemo I, the Owa of Igbajo land, is alive and healthy.”
The palace also clarified that the legal matter involving the late Famodun whom some media reports referred to as the Owa of Igbajo and the incumbent monarch remained unresolved in court.
It explained that “an appeal is currently before the Court of Appeal in Akure, challenging the judgment of the High Court in Ile-Ife, while a Stay of Execution filed at the High Court has yet to be heard”.
The statement added that the status quo remains, pending the determination of the matter and noted that both parties appeared in court on November 13, 2025, after which the case was adjourned to January 2026.
Despite the clarification, the palace expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prince Famodun, acknowledging his contributions to the political landscape and the Igbajo community.
“Igbajo land has lost an irreplaceable son. The palace extended condolences to the Gbeleru Royal House, his immediate family, and the entire Igbajo community,” the statement added.