Report has it that a limousine belonging to Oba Sijuwade was sited among a convoy on Ife-Ibadan Expressway before noon yesterday.
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Traditional rulers, politicians and other dignitaries are expected to attend today’s the ceremony.
The governor, who was not present at the burial service but was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, said he received with rude shock the demise of the late monarch.
He said the Ooni was a pacesetter who led the Osun Council of Obas with sincerity and honesty and that he would always be celebrated.
“Kabiyesi ascended the throne better prepared than most for the uniquely critical leadership role of the Ooni in Yoruba land”.
The funeral also featured a Muslim Service with prayers and admonition from Muslim clerics.
The traditional Monarch of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse ll (right) at Lagos’ National Museum on May 18, 2012.
“He was an advocate of peaceful co-existence irrespective of religious and ethnic colourations”.
While commending the late Royal Father for having lived a fulfilled life, the Vice President noted that whosoever will succeed him must be ready to work assiduously to further advance the course of Yoruba people. “We will always remember his works and legacies”.
“Oba Sijuade committed the administration of Osun State to the hands of God before leaving the country”, he said.
He added that neither the chiefs nor the media that broke the news of the demise of the king could be blamed, but asked that the issue be managed by the whole Yoruba race, whose tradition is at stake.
Mr. Osinbajo also prayed for the family of the late monarch and for the sustenance of his good works.
The governor described Oba Sijuwade as a monarch, who during his lifetime, did everything humanly possible to promote the Yoruba tradition across the globe.
The statement described the monarch as a “leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler”.
Through a condolence letter, the governor commiserated with members of the royal family, the people of Ile-Ife and Yoruba nation at large. “While not forgetting his affluent background, he delved into the business world early in life”.
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“We have been told to close to our businesses for seven days”.
