The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, 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 State on Friday.
The vice president also described Sijuwade 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.”
He said the achievements of Sijuwade were worth celebrating and that the monarch would live on with his legacy enshrined in Yoruba history.
Similarly, Governor 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 Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary to the State Government, said in a speech that he received the news of the death of Sijuwade with shock.
Aregbesola 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.
The Interdenominational service was earlier heralded by sermons and prayers from Rev. Olusola Akanbi (Christian), Mufutaudeen Yusuf (Muslim) and Ifaloba Ifagbenro (traditional priest).
Adetokunbo Sijuwade, son of the late Ooni, thanked the state government and the people of Ife for their support on behalf of the family.
NAN.
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