Gbenro Adesina/Ife
An inter-religious farewell service was held Friday in Ile-Ife for in honour of the late Alayeluwa, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife whose death was announced on Wednesday.
During the service, the three major religious groups in Nigeria, Christianity, Muslim and Yoruba traditional religion took turns to render their services.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Vice President Yemi Osibajo who came in at exactly 11:22 am, twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the programme.
The presence of Osinbajo was not acknowledged until about thirty minutes after his arrival.
Though Governor Rauf Aregbesola was absent, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti represented him.
Osinbajo in his short speech said that the deceased lived a worthy life, adding that the king would be remembered for the good he did while on earth.
“He contributed a lot to the development of the country. There is no Yoruba man that will not believe that he did well while alive. He will be remembered for his good leadership qualities which he used in managing the entire Yoruba race. He was committed to the unity of Yoruba race. I want to urge everyone that we should try our best to ensure that his legacies are well kept,” Osinbajo said.
Before delivering Aregbesola’s speech, Alhaji Adeoti apologised for the absence of the governor, disclosing that he had to travel to Lagos on official assignment.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse
In his speech, Aregbesola said that he was shocked to hear about the death of the monarch adding, “I received with real shock the demise of Ooni who was a pacesetter and astute Oba. While he was travelling for medical attention abroad, he committed the government of the state unto God. He was an achiever in all ramifications. He was very sincere. He will be remembered for …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
