A revered traditional ruler in Osun State, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Abraham Adekola Adeyeye has described his principal, late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II as the strong pillar behind his achievements and what he is today.
The Lowa Adimula who gave this testimony while answering questions from journalists on Sunday in his palace towards the 10th years remembrance of the famous Ooni Sijuwade said, “As your personal and traditional ADC who worked with you for about 14th years, I enjoyed a mutual relationship with you and as a father, I am proud to be associated with you because you are always there for me”.
Oba Adeyeye said, “I am a living testimony of your goodness and unique leadership styles as you touched my life positively which opened and still opening doors for me.
“As the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Abraham Adekola Adeyeye, I remember you today baba Sijuwade Olubuse as my father, mentor, boss, confidant and benefactor and I promise to continue to remember you”.
While acknowledging the purposeful reign of Ooni Sijuwade, Lowa Adimula explained that, as the Ooni of Ile-Ife then, he was a unique African Monarch who brought immeasurable respect to the traditional stool across Africa.
“Baba as a bridge builder, your efforts towards the dualization of Lagos-Ibadan express way cannot be over emphasised as you are the one that facilitated it with the then President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Am glad to inform that, in the South-West and South-East National Traditional Rulers in Nigeria during the Military era, the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade challenged the then Head of State that only the Northern part enjoying the 10% from the allocation while others enjoyed nothing which led to the immediate consideration of 5% to us here in the Southern part as well till today.
“Rtd. General Hussain headed the committee and give the report to General Abacha then that it was true that Southern part were not enjoying from the Federal Allocation.
“Abacha later cut the 10% to 5% immediately due to the reluctant act of Baba Okunade Sijuwade for him to be civilian President of the Country.
“You are a Monarch widely remembered for your diplomacy cultural advocacy, and unrelenting commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria and Africa.
“Baba, your role as a Monarch in conflict resolution, National unity, Cultural Diplomacy, and global engagement will continue to be remembered.
“This is a lesson to all that we will all die and return to our Creator one day no matter how good or bad our lives are.
“Baba was prominent for his philanthropic gesture, investment and undivided interest in the development of the country and above all, he was an uncommonly humble personality who had traveled far and near.
“On behalf of my royal family, I remember you today my dear father, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II as you continue to rest in perfect peace. I also extend my greeting to Baba’s wives, the Oloris and the entire children, Almighty God will continue to uphold and protect you all”, the Lowa Adimula concluded.
