Ooni’s Death A Huge Loss To Nigeria, Says Olubadan

THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, has expressed sadness over the passing away of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

The royal father in a statement signed by his Personal Assistant, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu described Oba Sijuwade’s death as a huge loss to the people of Ile-Ife, Yorubaland and the nation in general.

The 35 years reign of Oba Sijuwade was highly remarkable for ‎its contributions to the peace, progress and development of Yorubaland in particular and the country as a whole.

The late Ooni of Ife’s wise counsel and timely personal interventions which contributed in no small measure towards resolving national issues and questions at critical periods in the nation’s history would be sorely missed,” he said.

Olubadan noted that Sijuwade’s ‎historic role and efforts aimed at forging bonds of unity between the Yoruba in Nigeria and the Yoruba in the Diaspora especially in West Africa, Brazil and the Carribean would remain forever in the history of Yoruba race.

He recalled the honour accorded him by the late monarch’s presence at his coronation ceremony as the 40th Olubadan of Ibadanland in 2007. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late monarch, and the fortitude by the people of Ile-Ife, Yorubaland and the nation ‎at large to bear the irreparable loss.