By Gbenro Adesina/Ile-Ife
It was a fitting funeral rites for Oba Okunade Sijuwade in Ile-Ife, State of Osun today as devotees of the three religious persuasions took turns to perform the rites of passage for the prominent Yoruba monarch.
Oba Sijuwade, the 50th monarch of the Yoruba ancestral town of Ile-Ife, apart from from being the custodian of Yoruba tradition, was also a devoted Christian.
In the inter-religious service, the three major religious groups in Nigeria, Christianity, Islam and Yoruba Traditional Religion took turns to render their services.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Vice President Yemi Osibajo who came in exactly 11:22am, twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the programme.
The Vice president was not recognized until about thirty minutes after his arrival. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.
Others 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, Adegboye Akintunde; legislators; monarchs; General Alani Akinrinade and General Adeyinka Adebayo; Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo.
And of course, the four wives of the late Oba (Olori Morisola, Olori Ladun, Olori Odunola, Olori Nike and Olori Linda) and their children and Senator Iyiola Omisore. Spicing the occasion was the Royal Crown Choir which performed for five minutes.
Osinbajo said that the deceased lived a worthy life said that the Ooni 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.
Alhaji Adeoti apologized for the absence of Governor Aregbesola, disclosing that he had to travel to Lagos on official assignment. Adeoti read Aregbesola’s speech, in which he bemoaned the passing away of Oba Sijuwade.
“I receive 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 whatever has a beginning must have an end, urging the people to do good while alive.
After the Muslim service, a traditional spiritual leader, Jedimole Awo Ilare, Ifarotimi Ifaloba, delivered traditional message and prayer.