The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, as an epitome of humility and honesty.

Osinbajo made this statement at the Inter-religious farewell service in honour of Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun, on Friday.

The vice-president also described Sijuade as an exemplary ruler, who did so much to uphold the high traditions and culture of Yoruba people.

Osinbajo said, “all over the world, places where the Yoruba culture is celebrated, the Ooni was very well recognised.”

From left Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state, Professor Yemi Osinbajo Vice-President, Senator Omoworare,Prince Tokunboh Sijuade and Prince Kunle Sijuade.

He said that the achievements of Sijuwade were worth celebrating and that the monarch would live on with his legacy enshrined in Yoruba history.

Similarly, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola lauded the late Ooni for a life well lived and for being a good role model to other Obas (traditional rulers).

The governor, who was represented by Mr Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary to the State Government, said in a speech that he received news of the death of Sijuwade with shock.

He said the Ooni was a pacesetter who led the Osun Council of Obas with sincerity and honesty and that he would always be celebrated.

He said the Ooni was the chief custodian of Yoruba culture who would be greatly missed.

Aregbesola prayed for the repose of the soul of the Ooni and that God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

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The Interdenominational service was earlier heralded by sermons and prayers from Rev. Olusola Akanbi (Christian), Mufutaudeen Yusuf (Muslim) and Ifaloba Ifagbenro (traditional priest).

Mr Adetokunbo Sijuwade, son of the late Ooni, thanked the state government and the people of Ife for their support on behalf of the family.

Ooni, worthy Ambassador of Oduduwa — Mimiko

Also Ondo state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has described the departed Ooni Of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade as an exemplary traditional ruler who carried himself in a manner expected of an ambassador    of    the Oduduwa deity.

In his condolence message issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade in Akure on Thursday, Mimiko condole with the   entire Yoruba nation on    the demise of the revered king, declaring that    the late monarch   successfully protected and    brought more dignity and colour to the throne of his fore fathers.

He said the lives touched by the late Oba,  glamour and panache the departed first class traditional ruler brought to    the Obaship    institution made it more attractive and  a veritable avenue to work for the people and affect the society positively.

Submitting that the Ooni would be  missed by the entire nation, Mimiko prayed that the spirit of the departed will bring glory, peace and advancement to Ife Kingdom, Yoruba nation and Nigeria in general.

Ooni was a national icon — Oshiomhole

Mores so Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commiserated with the government and people of Osun State, and indeed the entire Yoruba race on the transition of the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the Governor said “the transition of the Ooni, the custodian of the rich history and tradition of the Yoruba people, is a colossal loss not only to the people of Ile Ife, but also the people of the State of Osun, the Yoruba race and the entire nation.

“The Ooni was indeed one of Nigeria’s most cerebral royal fathers who carved a niche for himself as an enterprising young Prince before ascending to the exalted throne of his forbears, and his reign was remarkable as it brought unprecedented development to the State of Osun, which was carved out of the old Oyo State under his reign.

According to the Governor, the Ooni was not only a national icon who used his wisdom to shape public welfare and national development, he was also deeply committed to the pursuit of a better Nigeria. He was a kind and humane royal father blessed with an uncommon simplicity, humility and decency worthy of emulation. He was a deity indeed.

“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I commiserate with the government and people of the State of Osun on this irreparable loss.

“We beseech our Heavenly Father to grant the soul of His Royal Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, Ooni of Ife peaceful repose.  We also pray for God’s consoling grace on the family and the entire people of the State of Osun.

Nation has lost a rare Gem — Ambode

And the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commiserated with the family, friends, associates, subjects and the government and people of Osun over the transition of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Olubuse Sijuade II, saying the nation and most especially the Yoruba race has lost a rare gem.

Oba Sijuade who became the fiftieth Ooni of Ife on December 6, 1980, passed on Tuesday, July 28 in a London hospital at the age of 85 after a brief illness, but his departure was officially announced on Wednesday, August 12, by the Ife Royal Traditional Council in accordance with tradition.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said the late first class monarch will be sorely missed for his fatherly role and advice, describing his demise as a great loss to the nation.

Extolling the virtues of the late Ooni, Governor Ambode recalled that the late monarch used his wealth of experience in tradition and commerce to better the lot of the Yoruba race.

“Without any iota of doubt, Oba Sijuade was a forthright traditional ruler, and astute business man who for decades helped to pursue and unite the common interests of the Yoruba race.”

His timely interventions in communal and inter-state disputes in the past are remarkable strides that will forever remain in our minds”.

He said the leadership role of the late Oba will remain an inspiration to all, stressing that one of his virtues as a leader was his ability to take responsibility and be responsible for others.

“Among other virtues the Ooni dedicated himself to the service of the nation and as long as we are alive, we must remember him for many things; his peace loving nature, candidness and his belief that there is hope that Nigeria’s challenges will be surmounted in the nearest future.”, he said

He prayed that Almighty God grant the departed soul peaceful repose and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss just as he urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and was leaving behind a worth legacy for his successor.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I wish to express our sincere condolences on the passing away of one of our illustrious traditional rulers. He would sorely be missed by all”, the Governor said.