The Olu of Warri, Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, has died of coronavirus, media reports said on Monday.

The Delta first class monarch, 65, was said to have died barely a week after his fifth coronation ceremony. 

Reports say he may have been exposed during the ceremony. The Guardian mentioned that he was believed to have met late army general, Olubunmi Irefin who also died from COVID-19 complications, penultimate week.

The Olu palace chiefs have yet to confirm the incident believed to have occurred on Monday morning. Palace chiefs, in sombre mood were not willing to confirm or deny the development.

A source told Sahara Reporters that palace workers had besieged shops near the palace to get strong alcoholic drinks as they believed it would cure them of COVID-19 should they have contracted it from the monarch.

“Olu of Warri is dead but the palace chiefs are trying to keep the information hidden from the public till they are sure the time is right,” the source said..

The late monarch, born on March 19, 1955, ascended the throne on December 12, 2015.