Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the passage of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Obasanjo said late Oba Sijuwade was a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler, who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria.
“I remember his firmness in support of Government at all levels when I was President of Nigeria. His staunch support was appreciated and would always be remembered for it. He, accordingly, stood out as a voice of honesty and forthrightness in national affairs.
“The toga of acrimony, thuggery and violence which stigmatized the politics and the people of Ife and Modakeke for many years was permanently brought to an end by him with the support of his royal colleagues”, the ex-president said.
