Nigerians including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have described the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse (II), as a traditional ruler whose lofty legacies will endure for generations.
The former vice-president, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source, said in a condolence message released by his media office in Abuja on Thursday that Oba Sijuwade’s reign was epochal and in a class of its own.
“Oba Sijuwade’s 35 years’ reign on the royal stool of Ife is unquestionably a source of pride to every Yoruba son and daughter and everyone who cherishes the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people,” the Turaki Adamawa said.
He added, “Oba Sijuwade’s wealth of experience in the corporate world, his wisdom and the royal candour he exuded combined with the historical pre-eminence of his stool made his reign a defining one as we knew it to be.
“His lofty legacies as the Ooni of Ife will endure for several generations after him. His depth in the richness of Yoruba the culture and tradition will also remain a source of attraction not only for the admirers of Yoruba ethos, but for scholars with bias for African cultures and royalties.”
The former vice-president also acknowledged that the demise of the Ooni of Ife “is a loss not only to the royal family, people and government of Osun State, but Nigeria as a whole.”
He prayed for the royal family to have the fortitude to bear the loss of the outstanding monarch who has gone to meet his ancestors and for peace to continue to reign in Ile-Ife.
Also, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the former Ekiti State governor, described the late Oba Sijuwade as a highly respected traditional ruler who demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.
Fayemi, who recalled his encounters with the late first class ruler both in and out of office, described the late Ooni as a great traditional ruler who was well endowed with wisdom. “Kabiyesi had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Yoruba tradition and history and had an amazing way of relating with both the low and mighty,” he said.
Saying that Oba Sijuwade lived a glorious life, Fayemi said the late monarch would be remembered for his patriotism, generosity and the rare manner he combined royalty with service and glamour.
“He would surely be missed for his exemplary service to humanity as a bridge builder and as a great custodian of the Yoruba cultural heritage,” he added.
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