Alaafin Of Oyo Buried Amidst Tears, Tributes; Governor Okowa Mourns

By Akinwale Kasali

Tears rolled down freely as the remains of the late revered Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Lamidi Adeyemi, were interred Saturday afternoon at the Oba’s Burial Court in Oyo State.

The Alaafin who joined his forebears Friday evening, was buried according to Islamic Rites. Islamic Clerics stormed  the final resting place of the  Monarch praying for the repose of his soul  as he began his journey to the great beyond.

Iku Baba Yeye, as the Alaafin was fondly called, died Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he has been hospitalized before joining his ancestor at the age of 83 years.

Delta Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the Governor noted that the late octagenarian monarch was an influential leader who was committed to the development of his kingdom and beyond.

He remarked that the king led a good life during which his influence transcended his domain and indeed, Oyo State.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Government and people of Oyo State, the immediate family of the Alaafin, the Oyo Mesi as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council over the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

“The late monarch’s 52 years reign making him the longest serving Alaafin, recorded remarkable peace and tremendous development in his domain.

“He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Oyo state,” Okowa stated.

The Late Alaafin became the Paramount Ruler of Oyo at the age of 31 years. He was born on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House and was a member of the House of Oranmiyan. Iku baba yeye. His mother, Ibironke, died when he was young. He was the son of late Raji Adeniran Adeyemi who became Alaafin in 1945.

Until his death, was the Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.

Before joining his ancestors, he had 13 wives, the senior among them being Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, who usually attended most events with her or with one of the 12 junior wives.

His other wives include Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, And Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.