Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Thursday commiserated with the people of Osun State over the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II.

The condolence is contained in a statement issued by the governor's Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba in Ilorin.

The statement quoted Gov. Ahmed as describing the late traditional ruler as "an icon of international status who bestrode the traditional institution with candor and panache."

Ahmed said the passage of the Ooni marked a glorious close of a glowing chapter in the tradition and culture of the Yoruba nation.

He added that the death of the traditional ruler was a monumental loss to the country's traditional institution and the nation at large.

The governor noted that late Ooni would be greatly missed not only by the people of Ile Ife, Osun State but the entire people of Nigeria.

He prayed God to grant the departed soul eternal rest, the family of the deceased, the people of Ile Ife and Osun State in general the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. (NAN)