The remains of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, will be committed to mother earth today after an interdenominational service at Ile-Oodua, Ile-Ife.
A statement signed by the Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Oba Folorunso Elusakin, Oba Joseph Ijadunola, Lowa of Ife and Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade said that the service will start by 10am.
Meanwhile, following the official announcement of the passing away of the monarch, the Ife High Chiefs have ordered the closure of all markets and shops in the ancient town with immediate effect.
It was gathered that the markets would remain closed for seven days to honour the late monarch while unlike Wednesday when residents were ordered to stay indoors from 9am till 4pm, restriction of movement is now from evening till dawn in continuation of Oro Cult rituals.
To ensure compliance, town criers were dispatched to the town and various markets to warn those who fail to comply with the directive to be ready to face the consequences.
Though commercial activities were going on especially in some places far away from the palace before the announcement was made, it was however, confirmed that all commercial banks in the town were under lock and key.
Meanwhile, condolences continued to pour in as the speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam commiserated with the people of Ile-Ife and Osun State over the passage of the monarch.
Salam who described Oba Sijuwade as a great leader noted that the monarch has done his best for his people.
Also, Senator Felix Ogunwale who described Oba Sijuwade as a national leader prayed for the repose of his soul.
Fayemi Condoles With Sijuwade Family, Osun Govt
Former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the Sijuwade family, the Ile-Ife people and the government of Osun State over the passage of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
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 demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.
He Was A Great Monarch – Amosun
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the first-class Yoruba monarch, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II as a great monarch.
In a press release signed by the secretary to the state government, Barr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor said the transition of the chairman of the State of Osun Traditional Council is “lamentable, but also worthy of celebration, because his life truly ran its full course.”
Lagos Speaker, Obasa Condoles With Osun Govt, People Over Ooni’s Death
The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has sent a message of condolence to the government and people of Osun State over the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II.
Reacting to the death of the monarch in a chat with journalists in Lagos, Rt. Hon. Obasa described the late Oba Sijuwade as a bridge-builder who always desired the best not only for his people but also for Nigerians in general.
Ooni’s Transition A National Loss – Saraki
Senate president, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described the passing on of Oba Okunade Sijuade, the Ooni of Ife, as the end of an era in Yorubaland.
Saraki in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sanni Onogu, said he was particularly saddened by the fact that the Ooni departed at a time when the country is in dire need of his wise counsel, respected interventions and patriotic stand on issues of national significance.
