Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State were among
dignitaries at the interdenominational funeral service held at Enuwa Square in front of the Ooni of Ife palace for Oba Okunade Sijuwade in Ile Ife on Friday.

Some traditional rulers were present at the service
while some were represented, including the Ewi of
Ado Ekiti, who was represented by some chiefs.

The Bishop of Ife Diocese of Anglican Communion,
Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odubogun, who delivered the
sermon on the occasion, said despite the riches, Oba
Sijuwade died when it was God’s time to take him
away.
The cleric, who was represented by Very Rev. Olusola
Akanbi, said the Ooni brought fame and popularity to
his domain.

He said, “The monarch’s demise demonstrates that
every mortal will die no matter the status.

Osinbajo, who lauded the late monarch, said he lived
well and lived long.

The vice president, who was dressed in a white
agbada and a brown cap, said all Yoruba people
knew that Oba Sijuwade did well.

The Islamic aspect of the service is currently
underway.

Meanwhile, all markets and shops in the town
remained shut as the burial rites while all roads
leading to the palace have been deserted.
Some men in white robes had earlier walked round
the outer palace perimeter around 8am.
They sang in cultural rhyme as a surging crowd that
initially besieged the palace, quickly retreated.