President Muhammadu Buhari has received with sadness news of the transition of one of Nigeria’s foremost traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II.
In a statement today from the Villa, Abuja, President Buhari condoled with the late Ooni’s family, his friends, associates and subjects, as well as the government and people of Osun State on the departure of the First Class Monarch.
The President described late Ooni as a revered traditional ruler who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, over more than 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.
He said that Oba Sijuwade’s place in posterity has already been assured by his long and worthy service to his people and country. He said the late Monarch had made notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country as a leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler.
President Buhari advised the Ooni’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.
Meanwhile, Osun State Government has, today, formally announced the passing away of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, two weeks after the news of his death came to public knowledge.
The State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, made the announcement at the Government House shortly after he was briefed by the High Chiefs of ile-Ife led by the Obalufe, High Cheif Folorunso Omisakin who is next in command to the late Ooni.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, 28th of July,2015, the news of the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade came to public knowledge from London but was on the following day described as a mere rumour by the high chiefs of ile-Ife.
Since then, Journalists have been hanging around to know the veracity of the information going by the status of the monarch in the country.
But today, various traditional rites to announce his passing away were held including cutting of trees in the palace and Isoro Procession to a place called Enuwa and Some other important places. [myad]
