Some traditional rulers in Kwara South District have described the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, as a big loss to the entire Yoruba race.

The traditional rulers spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, in their respective palaces in Omu-Aran, Iloffa and Egosi.

The traditional rulers are the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye; the Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Dada; and the Elegosi of Egosi kingdom, Oba Daniel Dada.

The monarchs said the death of Sijuwade, who was regarded the as the custodian of the Yoruba culture, heritage and tradition, should be a significant turning point to unite its leaders.

Oba Ibitoye described Sijuawade as a father of all who had, through his reign, helped to transform Yoruba culture and tradition to an esteemed height.

"The Ooni was a good ambassador of the Yoruba race and, to the best of my knowledge, he did everything within his capacity to be a true descendant of Odududwa, the father of Yorubas.

"I think by virtue of this we should significantly use this period to reflect on our past and close ranks for the betterment of future generations," he said. Oba Samuel Dada, on his part, described late Sijuwade as a leader with great passion for excellence, especially as it concerns the growth, progress and development of Yoruba race.

"He had on many occasions, through his closeness to those in the realm of authority, showcased his passion for the best for the country and the Yoruba race at large.

"We are very proud him, even in death; our prayer to God is for the family to have the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss," he said.

The Elegosi of Egosi Land, Oba Daniel Dada, who claimed that his fore fathers were direct descendant from Ife, said the death of Oba Sijuwade was an irreparable loss to the community.

He said the community had maintained a close relationship with the late Oba while his reign lasted and he had always been of tremendous support and assistance, resulting in transformation of the community.

"We would continue to remember him for the support and assistance he extended to transform and develop our community," Dada said. (NAN)