The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the passing of the former Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade Okunade as a national loss to Yoruba land and the nation.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, the Senator Saraki said he was particularly saddened because the nation would miss the Oba’s wise counsel, patriotic intervention which he was known for at a time those virtues of him were needed.
“I am particularly saddened that by the fact the Ooni departed at a time when the country is in dire need of his wise counsel, and patriotic stand on issues of National significance”, the statement reads.
Commiserating with members of the Olubuse Royal family, people of Ile If, government and people of Osun State and the entire Yoruba race, he said Oba Sijuade would remain dear to his heart for a very long time to come as a result of what he stood for.
“I want to commiserated with members of the Olubuse royal family, people of Ile Ife, Government and people of Osun State and the entire Yorubaland over the demise of a “king who represents the best of Yoruba traditions and customs”. he noted.
He described the late Ooni as a detribalised paramount ruler who gave Chieftaincy titles to many other Nigerians as a way of promoting national unity.
“On behalf of my family and the National Assembly, I convey my most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the royal family, people and Government of Osun State, the entire Yoruba race and Nigerians as a whole on the departure of the foremost traditional ruler, the Arole Oodua,” Saraki stated.
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