Palace Denies Rumours: Owa of Igbajo Still Alive — Death Report “Fake News,” Says Royal Court
The palace of Owa of Igbajo has officially dismissed as “false and misleading” recent social-media reports claiming that the monarch has died.
In a statement released on Tuesday, palace officials insisted that the incumbent Owa remains alive, “hale and hearty.” They urged the public and the press to disregard the circulating reports and desist from sharing unverified claims.
The clarification comes against a backdrop of confusion in the community: just days ago, the family of Oba Adegboyega Famodun — the 30th Owa of Igbajo — had confirmed his death. He reportedly died on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the age of 67 following a brief illness.
Famodun’s death had already stirred tension in Igbajo, leading the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
However — according to the palace today — the “Owa of Igbajo” referred to in the debunked death rumours is very much alive, which suggests the possibility of confusion over which individual the reports concerned.
Palace authorities warned that spreading such unverified stories “causes unnecessary panic” and undermines peace in the ancient town. They reiterated a call for news outlets and social-media users to verify with the royal court before publishing or reposting information about the monarch’s health.
As of now, the legitimate Owa continues his duties, and there has been no official statement indicating any decline in his health.