By Nuel Suji, Abuja.
The leadership of the Senate has described late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade as a detribalised Nigerian and a bridge builder.
Senate reached this decision yesterday at plenary following a point of order, Order 42 and 52 moved by Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun East) calling the attention of the senate to the demise of the Kabiyesi as announced by the Osun State Government.
Speaking in parables, the law maker said,”The leopard has gone back to the forest” and the nation is thrown into morning.
Senator Omoworare described the Oba as a successful business magnet, CEO of WAATECO which was the sole distributor of soviet-made vehicles, tractors and engineering equipment in Nigeria with at least fifty Russians on its staff and a dozen branches all over Nigeria.
Senator Olujimi also described the Oba as a bridge builder who established traditional allies with the likes of late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero and late Obi of Onitsha.
Pouring more enconiums on the late Ooni, Senator Abdullahi Adamu recalled how the late kabiyesi conferred a traditional title on him when he was the governor of Nasarrawa State.
According to Senator Adamu, “The Ooni was a great engineer, building bridges across all the strata of Nigeria. He has never been a person of controversy. He will be missed by all those who know what he has been doing over time.”
Also showering praises on the late Ooni was Senator Bala (Ogun west)who said, “Ancestors don’t die. He is on a journey to meet Oduduwa and his great great ancestors. We wish him a safe journey”
The president of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki describe the late Ooni as a patrotic Nigerian who stamped his feet on the sands of time.
Senate leadership constituted a powerful delegation headed by Senator Abdullahi Adamu to attend the burial of the Ooni and send legislative condolences to the family of the late Ooni and governemt of Osun State. Other members of the delegation are Senators Olujimi, Agada and Akpabio.
Senate also observed a minute silence for the repose of the Ooni.
