A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, has described the passage of the Ooni if Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, as a colossal loss to the country.
In a condolence message to the family of the deceased monarch, the lawmaker described the late Ooni as a revered traditional ruler, whose status and candour added immeasurable value to Yoruba culture and status.
Noting that, late Ooni personified deep sense of humility the Yoruba culture and tradition, Famurewa added that the monarch was also an icon of international repute and pedigree.
He said: “Oba Sijuwade lived an exemplary life and he committed all what he had to the promotion of national unity and advancement of Yorubaland. He will forever remain dear to my heart. Oba Sijuwade was father to the nation. His demise is a monumental loss to the country’s traditional institution.”
The lawmaker commiserated with the Sijuwade’s immediate family, members of the Ogboru ruling house, people of Ile-Ife, Osun State government and the entire Yorubaland, and prayed that God would give all the fortitude to bear the loss.