In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the passing of Ooni marked the glorious end of a glowing chapter in the tradition and culture of the Yoruba nation.
The governor described Oba Sijuwade’s death as a monumental loss to the country’s traditional institution and the nation at large.
Dr. Mimiko, however, described the departed Ooni as an exemplary traditional ruler, who carried himself in a manner expected of an ambassador of the Oduduwa deity.
In his condolence message issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko affirmed that the late monarch successfully protected and brought more dignity and colour to the throne of his forefathers.
Prince Oyinlola also described the late traditional ruler as a father, mentor, nationalist and rare patriot.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, Osun State yesterday, Oyinlola said the passing of the monarch was a personal loss considering the robust relationship he had with Oba Sijuwade before, during and after his days as governor of the state.
Also, Dr. Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the late Oba Sijuwade as a highly respected traditional ruler, who had and demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.
The former governor recalled his encounters with the late first class ruler both in and out of office, great traditional ruler, who was well endowed with wisdom. Fayemi said the late monarch would be remembered for his patriotism, generosity and the rare manner he combined royalty with service and glamour.
A revered traditional ruler in the state, Oba Adebolu Fatunmise, the Adagba of Iyanfoworogi, said his relationship with Oba Sijuwade was very cordial. He described the deceased as a king that brought tremendous change to the ancient town of Ile-Ife.
“For his 35years of reign in Ife, he was able to give the palace a face-lift, changing the entire structure to a state-of-the-art ultra-modern prototype of the Burkingham Palace as he promised before he was enthroned,” Oba Fatunmise said.
Lending his voice, Lekan Ijiwoye said Oba Okunade Sijuwade was a rare gem that made significant impact in the society. He said the late Oba would be greatly missed, especially as he deeply involved in both the development of Ile-Ife and the country as a whole.
Rotimi Makinde, for his part, said Oba Sijuwade did his best in touching the people of the state and Nigerians as a whole, through his prayers, good counsel and selfless service.
Other prominent leaders who reacted to the news of Oba Sijuwade yesterday included former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni and frontline lawyer and Ife son, Chief Nathaniel Oke (SAN). They described the late monarch as a royal colossus, who projected the image of Yoruba beyond the shores of the country and the African continent with his charisma and debonair personality.
In a statement issued by his media office, and signed by Ayo Akinyemi, Oni, who is also the deputy national chairman (south) of All progressives Congress (APC), said the departed royal father was “an Oba with unique character and characteristics that stood him out among his peers, all over the world. Kabiyesi was God’s gift to humanity, an exceptional gift to the black race and an unparalleled gift to Yoruba land. His comportment and his carriage, in every sense, without doubt, put him in the special class of a unique creation.”
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