The Member of the House of Representatives representing Asa/Ilorin West, Razak Atunwa, has sympathised with the Yoruba tribe following the reported death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade Okunade Olubuse II.

The royal father has passed on in a London, United Kingdom hospital after a brief illness at the age of 85.

A spokesperson said Atunwa described the progenitor of Yoruba people as a paramount traditional ruler and custodian of the Yoruba culture whose leadership has created strong unity and identity amongst the Yoruba people across the world.

"The story of the Yoruba race has its root in Ife, the kingdom led by the Ebiti Paramole, Orisun, Oba Olubuse II. Historically the progress of the race is tied to his kingdom. Oba Olubuse was a paragon of love, hope, unity and progress who has contributed tremendously to national development for many decades," Atunwa said.

"Atunwa sympathized with the people of Ife and the Governor of the State of Osun, Governor Rauf Aregbesola over the passing away of the Royal Father. He also sympathized with traditional rulers across the nation, Yoruba race worldwide and prayed that God will grant them the strength to bear the loss."

Atunwa urged Yoruba race to uphold the virtues of the late monarch, which he said had dignified and uplifted the race's cultural and ethical values across the globe.

The late Oba is said to have left behind his wives, his first son Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, and several other children.