Scores of senior lecturers and students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State have eulogised the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Some of them, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in the ancient town of Ile-Ife on Saturday, described the late monarch as a an architect of peace, harmony and equality.
The Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof. Femi Adewole, said the late monarch was an epitome of humility, man of valour and a passionate custodian of Yoruba tradition.
Adewole described him as an elephant whose might and influence went beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Adewole, however, prayed to God to grant the immediate family of the Ooni the fortitudes to bear the irreparable loss.
In the same vein, Dr. Sola Ajibade, the Head of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, eulogised the late monarch and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Ajibade said since death was inevitable, the only way to make indelible landmark was through committed service to humanity, which the late Ooni perfectly fulfilled.
Meanwhile, some students of the institution have expressed deep shock over the death of Oba Sijuwade and described him as a father of all.
A Part 2 student in the Faculty of Law, Deborah Ishola, said series of intervention of the Ooni in the labour crisis in the school qualified him as a father and peace advocate.
Also, Alabi Arogbofa, a students’ activist on campus, prayed for a passionate and committed successor for the late monarch.
Arogbofa said: “Since the power of life resides with the Most High God, we can only pray to God for a father and committed king like the late monarch to succeed him.
“And to continue the good work of the late royal father, indeed, Ife, Nigeria and the entire black race have lost a rare African leader.
“Ooni is a colourful custodian of black heritage and an unrepentant ambassador of African culture.”
NAN.
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