Flamboyant Ilaje monarch in Ondo state, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, has debunked rumors of his death, stating that he is “hale and hearty.”
The oil magnate monarch, who spoke to journalists through a telephone conference call, expressed his disappointment at the false reports, which he described as “wicked rumors”
Oba Akinruntan revealed that he had received numerous phone calls from around the world, particularly from Ondo State, inquiring about his well-being.
He assured everyone that he is alive and well, and that he had simply traveled for a short vacation. The monarch is expected to return home soon.
Speaking to journalists in Akure this afternoon through his lawyer and Secretary General Afenifere, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in a telephone conference-call, the oil magnate-monarch dismissed the news of his death as a blessing for long life.
He said: “I am hale and hearty. I have received several phone calls all over the world, particularly from Ondo State of my death.
“I was advised by my lawyer on the need to speak to you people to dispel the wicked rumour. Of course I travelled for a short vacation and will be home soon.
“In Yoruba land such rumour is a blessing for long life. Olugbo is alive and well.”
News of the death of the monarch was reported on Tuesday by some online media.
In a statement, Prince Akinfemiwa Akinruntan, the monarch’s son, and GMD of OBAT GROUP, also clarified that his father is alive and in good health, enjoying a vacation.
He urged everyone to refrain from spreading false information and respect their family’s privacy during this time
“It’s worth noting that in Yoruba culture, rumors of someone’s death are often seen as a blessing for long life. Oba Akinruntan’s response to the rumors reflects this cultural perspective, as he stated that “Olugbo is alive and well”
As one of the richest kings in Africa, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan is a prominent figure in Nigeria He is the founder of Obat Oil, one of Nigeria’s largest and most successful private companies.
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