The ancient city of Ile Ife, Osun State stood still on Friday, when an inter-denominational farewell service was held in honour of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II.

Oba Sijuwade died in a London Hospital on July 28 after a brief illness.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, led dignitaries from across the country for the ceremony at the palace, which commenced with a Christian service and the Muslims and traditional worshippers followed thereafter.

In his sermon, Rt. Reverend Oluranti Odubogun urged Nigerians to live a life worthy of emulation.

Odubogun, represented by Reverend Olusola Akanbi stated that the late Oba had influence, money and everything to stop death, “but when time came, he could not do anything.”
He said further that what happened to Sijuwade was a futility of life, which shows that none can stop death when it comes.

The clergyman urged Nigerians to move closer to God and do everything to make heaven, stressing that the Oba's life was worthy of emulation.

“We are created for good works. Kabiyesi in his lifetime had done extremely well for his people. What remains now is judgement and all of us in the last day shall stand before the judgement seat to account for our deeds.”

Speaking during the Christian service, Osibanjo described the late Oba as a role model, who used his exemplary life to promote culture of Yoruba race, noting that while alive, he transformed his domain and was a bridge builder across Nigeria.

He added that Oba Sijuwade lived a worthy life and his death should not be mourned, but celebrated.

“His lifetime was a total transformation of his domain and humanity. Oba Sijuwade has done his bit and what he had done would continue to be a reference point in Nigeria.

“We are celebrating because the life Baba (Ooni) lived was full of achievements and we should remember him for that. There is no Yoruba person that would disagree with the fact that Baba did well when he was alive. We thank God because Ooni lived a good life and lived long.”

Osibanjo therefore urged the people of Osun State, mostly the people of Ile-Ife not to mourn, but give glory to God Almighty for a life well spent.

In his short message at the ceremony, Governor Rauf Aregbesola lauded the monumental leadership of Sijuwade, stressing that his lifetime was a life of great service to Nigeria and humanity.

Aregbesola represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti described the late Oba as a pacesetter, who presided over the affairs of his people with the fear of God.

He added that as Permanent Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas, Sijuwade ran his administration with exemplary leadership that would continue to be a reference point in the state and Nigeria in general.

Aregbesola stated that Sijuwade would continue to be celebrated for his service to humanity, Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Traditionalists also gave dirges to the monarch as Ifatoba Ifaleke described his life on earth as fruitful and productive.

Other dignitaries at the service were: Admiral Akin Aduwo (Rtd.), Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo (Rtd,), General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd.), Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Dele Momodu, Dr Dosunmu Awolowo and Kola Awolowo.

While the ceremony lasted, all commercial activities were grounded in Ile Ife.