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Tag: Alaafin of Oyo

  • Late Alaafin brought honour and glory to Yorubaland – Group

    Late Alaafin brought honour and glory to Yorubaland – Group

    The death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on Friday, put an end to a reign that brought glory and honour to Yorubaland, The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) has said.

    In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho, the group said the late Alaafin, during his reign, always defended what he considered to be the best interest of the Yoruba.

    It said that the Alaafin, always resplendent in the best attires of the Yoruba, promoted the culture of his people beyond the nation’s shores.

    According to TYLPI, the late Oba Adeyemi’s strong voice on issues whenever he spoke, gave honour, respect and dignity to the Yoruba race.

    It also praised the late Alaafin’s foresight in working with those who could assist in transforming to reality, his dream of Oyo becoming a modern city and a major hub for business, commerce and tourism.

    The group commended the strong commitment of the late traditional ruler to education, noting that it was a lasting tribute to his doggedness in that regard that, during his reign, Oyo became a university town and a host to other higher institutions of learning.

    The deep knowledge of the history and traditions of the Yoruba, TYLPI added, made Adeyemi a living resource for those interested in knowing more about the race.

    It said Oba Adeyemi’s death had created left a big leadership vacuum in Yorubaland and prayed that at the right time, a fitting successor to the late monarch would emerge to continue the struggle for the improvement of the lives of the people.

    TYLPI expressed its condolences to the people and government of Oyo State as well as the family left behind by the monarch.

  • Bàbá Kéjì: Mysteries of Oyo Palace servant who served three Obas

    Bàbá Kéjì: Mysteries of Oyo Palace servant who served three Obas

    It is very important to correct some erroneous notions in what some people have been spreading about Bàbá Kéjì. This becomes pertinent, in order to set the records straight and avoid distortion of history. Let us go to some of these blunders.

    Pronunciation of His Name – Kéjì: For those who understand how signs are etched on words; Kéjì is pronounced “mi do”. Bàbá (do mi) Kéjì (mi do). Bàbá Kéjì (Do mi mi do). This is the correct pronunciation of Bàbá Kéjì’s name.

    Another Name? He is not called Baba Kekere. He is called Baba Kéjì. Kéjì means a companion. In his heyday, while he was relatively young, Baba Kéjì was always around the Alaafin. He was Alaafin’s companion. At times, he usually joined the Alaafin on brief hunting inside the palace. That was when the palace was surrounded by bush, where you could hunt snakes and others.

    His Age: Baba Kéjì is not up to 200 years. How did I know this? I have listened to him, while rendering his account of stewardship in the palace. He categorically stated it that he was quite young during the reign of Oba Siyanbola Ladigbolu, the 42nd Alaafin of Oyo, who reigned between 1911 and 1944.

    How old is Bàbá Kéjì? Bàbá Kéjì, from the above assertion in no 3, as a young man during the reign of Oba Ladigbolu, was between 20 and 25 years. Oba Siyanbola Ladigbolu joined his ancestors in 1944. That was about 80 years ago. Let’s add his age at that time to 80 years. Bàbá Kéjì is between 100 and 110 years old.

    Bàbá Kéjì does not mean ‘second father’. Keji, in this context, means companion. It is just the way we pronounce Morenikeji (I’ve got a companion). He used to be the Alaafins’ companion.

    Head of Palace Servants: Some people are saying Bàbá is the head of the palace servants. No, he is not. Kudefu is officially the head of the palace servants. In the Old Oyo Kingdom/Empire, Kudefu is a special position. Kudefu has a dedicated quarters in the palace, just like the head of butlers in the Buckingham Palace of the ancient British Empire.

    Some people have asked if Bàbá Kéjì is married. Yes, he’s married. He has four children – Azeez (dead), Fatimah, Madinah and one other child. His wife is still with him. Baba Kéjì is not a eunuch (impotent). He is as fecund and potent as anything.

    In conclusion, Bàbá Kéjì is a loyal steward and unrepentantly dedicated to his primary duties in the palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo. He performs his duties, diligently, as assigned by the Alaafin.

    Story by Adejare Ibrahim

  • I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has replied to critics who feel he is responsible for the death of top Yoruba monarchs in the State.

    Governor Makinde urged his critics to stop linking him with the death of prominent monarchs in the state, following the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Makinde stated this when he visited the palace of the late Alaafin of Oyo on Sunday.

    Some Nigerians have called out the governor on social media, noting that two other first-class monarchs, the Soun of Ogbomoso and Olubadan of Ibadan, died in quick succession under him.

    The late Soun, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, passed on, on December 12, 2021, while the late Olubadan, Saliu Adetunji, joined his ancestors on January 2 this year.

    Governor Makinde said though the monarchs were aged and made significant impacts before they departed, he wished they lived longer.

    Speaking on Alaafin’s death, he said the king left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

    “In Oyo State, we have perhaps lost the last human encyclopedia of our traditional history. Several times when I visited him and told him the problem we had, he had a solution to everything.

    “So, it is a very difficult void to fill. In fact, I don’t know who else we can go and meet, who can replace Kabiyesi.

    “When I visited him in 2015 and told him about my ambition, he frankly told me it was not going to work out due to one reason or the other and, at last, I failed, but I learnt certain things. Not many people will tell one the truth. Kabiyesi told me it would not work, and it never worked out,” he said.

    While promising to give the late Alaafin a befitting burial, the governor appealed to the chiefs not to delay in selecting a new king for the town.

    TNG reports the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo town passed on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 83.

    He was the son of the late Alaafin Oba Adeyemi II, and the 43rd Alaafin of Oyo. He reigned for 52 years.

  • Death of Alaafin of Oyo stalls installation of Femi Gbajabiamila as Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland

    Death of Alaafin of Oyo stalls installation of Femi Gbajabiamila as Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland

    Following the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the installation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Lawmaker of Yorubaland) has been suspended.

    This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Lanre Lasisi, on Sunday.

     

    Lasisi said the event, which was planned to take place on Friday, May 27, 2022, was postponed over the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

     

    It was gathered that Alaafin died 35 days to Gbajabiamila’s chieftaincy conferment ceremony, which was part of activities to mark the lawmaker’s 60th birthday.

     

    Gbajabiamila was conferred with the traditional title of Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Lawmaker of Yorubaland) by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in September 2021.

     

    An invitation card of the event that surfaced online shows that the installation is slated to take place on Friday, May 27, 2022, with the All Progressives Congress’ presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, was named as the Chairman of the occasion.

     

    Also, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was slated to be the Royal Father of the Day while Chief Commander, Ebenezer Obey and K1 De Ultimate were named as the musicians to entertain guests at the event.

     

    The statement read, “You will recall that his Royal Highness, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III communicated the conferment of the title of Aare Baasofin of Yoruba Land to Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila through an appointment letter dated September 7, 2021, and presented to the Speaker on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the National Assembly, Abuja, by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Olayinka Ayoola, who is the traditional Prime Minister of Oyo Kingdom and Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu.

     

    “Upon which the Speaker, in turn, accepted the appointment with gratitude to God. However, due to the tight work schedule of the Speaker, the Chieftaincy ceremony could not hold throughout 2021, until this year when the date of May 27, 2022, was agreed with the palace but as God in his majesty will have it the revered monarch passed on Friday night before the distribution of Invitation cards for the event (May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus).

     

    “Naturally, the event can no longer hold as the Speaker, the entire Yoruba race, Nigerians home and abroad mourn the demise of the widely respected Monarch.”

  • How late Alaafin saw his own death in his dreams – Palace aide

    How late Alaafin saw his own death in his dreams – Palace aide

    It’s no longer news that the 83 -year -old Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has joined his ancestors, he died at the University of Ado Ekiti Teaching Hospital in Ekiti state after a brief illness.

    The mystery about his death was that the late Alaafin saw it coming two weeks before it happened.

    The Alaafin slept and dreamt two weeks that he saw his father telling him it was time for final home call.

    Read Also:

    Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III joins his ancestors

    This revelation was made known to journalists by a female palace aide who doesn’t want her name disclosed.

    According to her Oba Adeyemi personally told some of his aides about the dream when he had it.

    She said: “Baba (Alaafin) told some of us about two weeks ago about a dream he had of his father telling him that his time was up and should come over to the other side.”

    She added: “My father has gone to be with his forefathers. Atanda (Alaafin) has gone to dwell with his forefathers. He is not dead.”

    In addition, the son of the late traditional ruler, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, said his father was able to reconcile with almost everybody he had differences with before his death.

    An Oyo son, Adekunle Wakili, said in a separate interview at the palace yesterday that the late Alaafin, while responding to compliments by a prominent Islamic preacher, had said that every man must taste death.

    House of Representatives member and son of the late Alaafin, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, said his father reconciled with almost everybody he had differences with before his demise.

    He said: “It is a pity we lost a man who has given Oyo its true name; a man who has truly represented Yoruba culture; a symbol of Yoruba tradition.

    “A man of epitome of knowledge and wisdom is gone. What can we do? We can’t query the Almighty God.

    “We love him and we are celebrating a life well spent. The legacy he left behind is for us to always defend Yoruba and always say the truth, no matter whose ox is gored.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nollywood actors, Yoruba youths, UNIMAID pay tribute to late Alaafin of Oyo

    Nollywood actors, Yoruba youths, UNIMAID pay tribute to late Alaafin of Oyo

    Some Nollywood actors on Saturday mourned the passage of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.

    The late Alaafin died on Friday night at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti.

    The actors took to their Instagram pages to pay tribute to the late oba with the display of his pictures.

    Ademola Adetunji wrote, “ATANDA became a king at 31 and ruled for 52 years, died at 83…LAMIDI was a true example of not too young to rule. RIP Atanda Olayiwola Lamidi Adeyemi….IKU BABA YEYE. Sunre ooo.”

    Also, Adebayo Salami popularly known as “Oga Bello”, said, “I commiserate with the royal family, Oyo State Government and the good people of Oyo kingdom on the transition of His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.

    “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah Firdaos.”

    Another actor, Saheed Balogun, wrote, “Erin wo! RIP Iku Babayeye Kabiyesi Adeyemi Lamidi.”

    Muyiwa Ademola said, “Erin wo, ajanaku sun bi oke. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ti waja, Atanda roru aremabo. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Kunle Afod wrote, “RIP Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III Alafin Oyo. You shall forever be remembered.”

    Toyin Afolayan said, “May your soul rest in perfect peace, Baba dada iku Baba yeye, oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, King of Oyo land, Sun re o.”

    Alaafin’s demise sad – Yoruba youths

    The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths has described as sad, the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday at age 83.

    The President-General of the group, Mr Bamiji Awa, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said the death of the first-class paramount ruler was a rude shock to the youths.

    “It is so sad to lose this top Yoruba Oba at this crucial period when his wisdom and counsels are most needed,” Awa said.

    According to him, the late Alaafin was naturally supposed to be the royal host of the group’s proposed Yoruba Presidential Aspirants’ meeting under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said the meeting was targeted at promoting love and unity before the May 30 Presidential Primaries of the ruling party.

    Oba Adeyemi was the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years. He was crowned on Nov.18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.

    Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on Oct.15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

    He is said to have died at the Aare Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital on Friday and was laid to rest on Saturday within the premises of the palace, in the ancient town of Oyo.

    His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State traditional rulers, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died.

    UNIMAID mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri has described the demise of its Pro-Chancellor, Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a painful exit.

    Shugaba said this in a statement released in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    He said Oba Adeyemi has demonstrated unparalleled passion, and commitment to the development of education in Nigeria in general, and the University of Maiduguri where he served as Pro-Chancellor.

    The VC said the late Alaafin would specifically be remembered for his sterling leadership, sustained fatherly guidance, support and understanding of peaceful coexistence and progress of the university.

    “As the university community mourns his painful exit, may I, on behalf of the Council, Senate, top Management Committee, staff, and students of the University, extend our condolences to the Visitor, President, Muhammadu Buhari, Government of Oyo State, members of his immediate family and the entire Oyo Kingdom.

    “We pray to Allah to grant him Jannatul-Firdaus Ameen,” Shugaba said.

  • What Tinubu, Fayemi, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni said about demise of Alaafin of Oyo

    What Tinubu, Fayemi, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni said about demise of Alaafin of Oyo

    A former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as an auspicious era in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba and the entirety of the black race.

    Tinubu in a condolence message on Saturday in Lagos, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a strong pillar of the arts, culture and tradition.

    He said: “Kabiyesi took upon himself the task of promoting Nigerian arts and culture for which he received many ambassadorial awards in Nigeria and beyond.

    “In recognition of his important contributions to peace, religious harmony and stability in Nigeria, the nation gifted him the high honour of Commander of the Federal Republic.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential hopeful expressed sadness at the passing of the late Oba adding that with his transition, a big Iroko had fallen.

    Tinubu recalled that his last encounter with Oba Adeyemi was during his last visit to his palace sometime in February to seek his prayers and blessings for his presidential ambition.

    “l had an abiding personal relationship with Alaafin whom I deeply respected. He was a Mentor, leader and father figure.

    ” I visited Kabiyesi in February in Oyo to seek his prayers and blessings which he graciously gave, little did I know it was the last time we would see each other face to face,” he said.

    Tinubu noted that Alaafin was one of the most influential, greatly respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Nigeria and indeed Africa and beyond.

    “Alaafin fostered harmony and brought prosperity and development to the ancient Oyo Kingdom.

    “He was loved by his people. Wisely ruling on the throne for 52 years, he became the longest reigning Alaafin that ever ruled Oyo Kingdom.

    “An elder-statesman and patriot, Alaafin Adeyemi was bold and courageous. He spoke truth to power.

    “His interventions in national affairs helped the nation navigate difficult moments and helped usher a more just society.

    “He played vital roles in the struggle for democracy, working assiduously towards the establishment of our democracy,” he said.

    The former governor who said that he was deeply touched by the demise of Oba Adeyemi commisserates with his immediate family, the Oyomesi, the chiefs, Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of Oyo kingdom.

    “The black race has lost a titan who will be sorely missed.

    “I pray that his family, Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba race and indeed all Nigerians find consolation and strength in that we must now dedicate ourselves to live up to the ideals for which Alaafin stood,” Tinubu said.

    Alaafin, an iconic monarch – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

    This is contained in a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, made available to newsmen on Saturday.

    Ooni Ogunwusi, who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, stated that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire life was dedicated to the promotion of the prestigious Yoruba culture and advancement of humanity.

    “We have lost a great icon, a great monarch, who saw Oyo through civilization, and modern development without jettisoning the cultural sacredness of the throne first occupied by Alaafin Oranmiyan The Great.

    “Ile Oodua Palace and the Ooni had a great working relationship with the late Alaafin who gave his best in resolving major conflicts in Yoruba land and uniting all sons and daughters of Oduduwa globally among other landmark achievements.

    “The late Alaafin is one of the privileged elders that contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs,” he said.

    Ooni Ogunwusi recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo Royal Father early last month when they both held a closed door meeting of peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan.

    According to him, Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year.

    Ooni prayed for the soul of the late Alaafin as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death.

    He also prayed that Oyo would be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the Royal Father in full accordance with the culture and traditions of their ancestors.

    “While the demise of Oba Adeyemi would be greatly missed for his indelible imprint as a great descendant of Oduduwa, the Ooni hereby urges the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide to continue to pray for the deceased’s family and Oyo indigenes at this trying time.

    “May the Almighty Olodumare also be with the Oyomesi at this critical time that may challenge the culture and traditions of their ancestors in the process of burial rites and the process of selecting the next Alaafin.

    “The position of Alaafin is too culturally important to be handled in a way that undermines our collective traditions and culture.

    “God shall solidly stand with the Oyomesi and the entire Oyo kingdom,” the statement said.

    Alaafin’s demise, great loss to Nigeria – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III (Alaafin of Oyo) as a great loss to Nigeria.

    In a condolence message on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor said his death was great loss to the people and traditional institution of Oyo State.

    Oba Adeyemi passed away on Friday at the age of 83.

    Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, and the entire Yoruba race both at home and in the diaspora.

    ‘The late monarch’s service to the people of the ancient town, Oyo State and Nigeria, especially in the area of promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition, will remain his enduring legacy,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu urged the family, friends and associates, as well as the entire people of Oyo Kingdom to immortalise him and ensured the late Alaafin of Oyo’s legacies were sustained.

    ”On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

    ”I commiserate with the people of Oyo State, especially sons and daughters of the ancient Oyo Kingdom over the death of one of the foremost and most respected traditional rulers in Nigeria, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday.

    ”The death of Oba Adeyemi is a great loss not only to the people of Oyo State but the entire Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.

    “This is because of the unique position the Alaafin of Oyo holds as a descendant of Oduduwa. He will be greatly missed.

    ”He was one of the great promoters of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    “He contributed immensely to the growth and development of Oyo Kingdom and improved the livelihood of the people of the town.

    ”As a first-class monarch, he left a lasting legacy that the people of the ancient town will continue to cherish,” the governor said.

    Sanwo-Olu prayed that the Almighty should find a peaceful resting place for the soul of the late Oba Adeyemi and grant the royal family, Yoruba land and the people of Oyo town the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Late Alaafin, bridge builder, courageous leader- Fayemi

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has a bridge builder, patriot and courageous leader who contributed to Nigeria’s unity during his lifetime.

    Fayemi made the assertions in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said the departure of the revered traditional ruler had created a big vacuum in the traditional institution in Oyo State, in particular and Yorubaland in general.

    According to him, the late Oba Adeyemi was an authority in history and blessed with a sharp memory which added value and class to his royal duties and day-to-day interaction with people from different walks of life.

    Fayemi, also the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, described the deceased as a distinguished first class Oba, who brought dignity, respect and glamour to the traditional institution and made it relevant in the quest for a better society.

    He said the late royal father operated an open door policy and always made his wise counsel available to political leaders, irrespective of their party affiliations.

    Fayemi while describing the late traditional ruler as a man of many parts, said he never disappointed in the performance of his royal duties and other roles he was privileged to have played, which spanned sectors like administration, politics, education, religious, sports, among others.

    He said that Oba Adeyemi earned much respect and accolade for his ability to speak the truth to those in power, without playing to the gallery.

    The governor further credited the departed Oba with defending the culture and traditions of the Yoruba race, which he did with panache and passion throughout his reign.

    Commiserating with the family, friends and associates of the late oba, Fayemi urged them to be consoled by the good legacies Adeyemi III left behind and the positive impact he made in his lifetime.

    “We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

  • Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III made a promise to me this year – Ooni of Ife reveals

    Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III made a promise to me this year – Ooni of Ife reveals

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has disclosed that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, made a promise to him to pay his first visit to the Ooni palace in Ile-Ife.

    Ooni described the passage of the Alaafin as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

    This is contained in a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, made available to newsmen on Saturday.

    Ooni Ogunwusi, who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, stated that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire life was dedicated to the promotion of the prestigious Yoruba culture and advancement of humanity.

    Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year

    “We have lost a great icon, a great monarch, who saw Oyo through civilization, and modern development without jettisoning the cultural sacredness of the throne first occupied by Alaafin Oranmiyan The Great.

    “Ile Oodua Palace and the Ooni had a great working relationship with the late Alaafin who gave his best in resolving major conflicts in Yoruba land and uniting all sons and daughters of Oduduwa globally among other landmark achievements.

    “The late Alaafin is one of the privileged elders that contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs,” he said.

    Ooni Ogunwusi recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo Royal Father early last month when they both held a closed door meeting of peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan.

    According to him, Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year.

    Ooni prayed for the soul of the late Alaafin as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death.

    He also prayed that Oyo would be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the Royal Father in full accordance with the culture and traditions of their ancestors.

    “While the demise of Oba Adeyemi would be greatly missed for his indelible imprint as a great descendant of Oduduwa, the Ooni hereby urges the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide to continue to pray for the deceased’s family and Oyo indigenes at this trying time.

    “May the Almighty Olodumare also be with the Oyomesi at this critical time that may challenge the culture and traditions of their ancestors in the process of burial rites and the process of selecting the next Alaafin.

    “The position of Alaafin is too culturally important to be handled in a way that undermines our collective traditions and culture.

    “God shall solidly stand with the Oyomesi and the entire Oyo kingdom,” the statement said.

  • News of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm – Gani Adams

    News of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm – Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has described the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a national tragedy as well as a personal and colossal loss.

    The Aare Onakakanfo, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said that the news of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm.

    Adams, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, noted that the foremost Yoruba monarch lived a worthy life all through his reign.

    “It is a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.

    “The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.

    “Baba’s 52-year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.

    “In his 52-year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution,” the Aare said.

    According to him, Nigeria, Yoruba nation and the ancient town of Oyo has loss a great monarch whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarch.

    “I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss.

    “I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.

    “Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy. It is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country,” he added.

    He said that the Yoruba had loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.

    Adams said: “A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry. There is no way I can figure out this collosal loss.

    “Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race. He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race. Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.

    “No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo, but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.”

    He said that the late Alaafin occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles and with much honour, reverence and candour that gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

    Adams said that Alaafin showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.

    The Aare said that he was at the palace of Alaafin in March when Kabiyesi led the chief to Bishop Ladigbolu’s function in Oyo, saying “Alaafin was hail and hearty”.

    Adams said that the late Alaafin brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic,even in the area of education, sports and a cultural development.

    The Aare, who noted that the late Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life, described him as a symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage,

    “We will sorely miss his wise counsel.We will miss his voice and resoluteness.We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.

    We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength.We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues.

    “We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause.We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all,we will miss his whole being,” he added.

    The Aare commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Oyo Mesi, the family of Alaafin and the people of the state.

  • Buhari mourns Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III

    Buhari mourns Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, aged 83 years, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country.

    The president, in a condolence message by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja, noted that Oba Adeyemi’s reign witnessed transformations in his domain.

    He affirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s 52 years of rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity.

    He particularly lauded the late traditional ruler for promoting values of peace and stability.

    President Buhari equally noted the late traditional ruler participated in numerous national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, including living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.

    The president shared the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, particularly in sports where he left another footprint.

    He prayed that the Almighty God would receive his soul.