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.
