Former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, on Thursday, described the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as a custodian of Yoruba tradition, saying that the monarch’s death was a great loss to the Yoruba race and the country as a whole.

In a condolence message, Alao-Akala said that Oba Sijuwade lived a life worthy of emulation. He also added that the late monarch was known for being hospitable and magnificent globally.

He called on Yoruba to take solace in the fact that Oba Sijuwade left behind an enviable legacy that would outlive this generation.

In his words, “Baba upheld the traditions of the Yoruba race. His death is a loss not only to the Yoruba tradition, but to the human race.

“In his commitment to upholding Yoruba tradition, the Ooni, at several events, warned against efforts to distort the history of the Yoruba race so as not to jeopardise the people’s culture and misinform the younger generation.

“He was known for his conviviality, camaraderie, sense of judgment and magnificence around the world.

“He was a unifying factor for the Yoruba race. He was a fountain of knowledge and that is why everybody respected his judgement.

“I am deeply saddened at the news of the Ooni’s departure, but take solace in the fact that Baba lived a life worthy of emulation. He left behind an enviable legacy that outlives his generation.”