As the revered monarch, Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II was laid to rest yesterday at the palace in Ife, the streets were silent and Ife stood still.
The elaborate ceremony witnessed by people from all walks of life, including the Nigerian Vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who described the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as an epitome of humility and honesty.
Osinbajo made this statement at the Inter-religious farewell service in honour of the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Friday.
The vice president also described Sijuwade as an exemplary ruler, who did so much to uphold the high traditions and culture of Yoruba people.
Osinbajo said, “all over the world, places where the Yoruba culture is celebrated, the Ooni was very well recognised.”
He said that the achievements of Sijuwade were worth celebrating and that the monarch would live on with his legacy enshrined in Yoruba history.
The Interdenominational funeral service to celebrate the late Ooni was heralded by sermons and prayers from Rev. Olusola Akanbi (Christian), Mufutaudeen Yusuf (Muslim) and Ifaloba Ifagbenro (traditional priest).
Image: The Sun.