Mourning the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, President Muhammadu Buhari today in Abuja urged the departed monarch’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon.
In a statement following the formal announcement of the Oba’s passing, President Buhari prayed that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Oba Sijuwade and bring forth a worthy successor to take his place on the ancient throne of Ile-Ife.
Making the announcement, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of Osun State said he had received the news earlier today through the Traditional Council.
He said he joined other sons daughters of Osun to celebrate the translation of a highly revered monarch whose era had brought prestige, honor and dignity to the traditional institution, while his reign brought tremendous development and increased global attention to his domain.
“Ooni Sijuade was a study and model in royalty,” the Governor said. He embodied the best in traditional pomp and pageantry. He exalted the place of the royalty among our people. His contributions towards maintaining a place of pride for the Yoruba race on the world is huge.”
President Buhari described the departed Ooni as a ruler who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, which spanned over three decades, as the Chief Custodian of the traditions of the Yorubas and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.
“President Buhari believes that Oba Sijuwade's place in posterity has already been assured by his long and worthy service to his people and country as well as his notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country as a leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler,” the State House statement said.
Governor Aregbesola drew similar attention to Oba Sijuade’s great impact on his subjects, the entire state, region and nation.
“On behalf of my family, the great people of the Land of the Virtuous, I extend our heart-felt feelings to the immediate royal family of Oba Sijuade, the ruling houses of Ile-Ife, all the princes and princesses of Ile Ife, royalties far and near, and Yoruba people of the world,” he said.