Today, Ile Ife, Osun state, the ancestral home of the Yorubas became a beehive of activities, as it played hosts to hundreds of prominent dignitaries, who came to pay their last respect to His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife, who passed on two weeks ago.
During the inter-religious farewell service, which was held in his honour, 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.
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 his worthy service to the people and humanity as a whole.”
In his message titled “How has the mighty fallen,” Bishop of Ife, Oluranti Ogunbogun said that everything that has a beginning must have end, and urged the people to do good while alive.
After the Muslim service, a traditional spiritual leader, Jedimole Awo Ilare, Ifarotimi Ifaloba, delivered a traditional message and prayer.
The Royal Crown Choir spicedi the occasion with gospel songs for five minutes.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who sneaked in and did not wait till the end of the programme, Senator Babajide Omoworare, former Ambassador to Switzerland, Ambassador Olusegun Bamigbetan, Deputy Speaker of Osun State, Hon. Adegboye Akintunde, legislators and monarchs.
Also at the event were General Alani Akinrinade, General Adeyinka Adebayo, Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo, Senator Iyiola Omisore, the widows of the monarch- Olori Morisola, Olori Ladun, Olori Odunola, Olori Nike and Olori Linda and the late monarch’s children.