By Ayodele Oni
Few hours after his death was denied, the Palace of Alaafia of Oyo has confirmed the death of the foremost Yoruba Monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
Alaafin’s Media and Publicity Director, Mr.. Bode Durojaiye, who earlier denied his death, describing it as a rumour, confirmed to newsmen in Oyo that Oba Adeyemi has indeed joined his ancestors.
“Yes, it is true, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has joined his ancestors at the age of 82 after reign as kings for 52 years.
“He breathed his last at Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
“I saw his remains laid down in the Palace. The Palace is mourning now. I can confirm that to you.
“There are many people that have stormed the Palace at Oke-Afin in Oyo town. I am there right now. I will give a confirmation through a statement later.
Asked about the press statement that was circulated this morning, debunking Alaafin’s death, Durojaiye responded: “I did not issue any press statement today. That press release was issued a long time ago when it was rumoured that Alaafin was dead.”
On the burial of the Monarch, Durojaiye, said the body of kingmakers, known as Oyemesi, would take decision on it.
Oba Adeyemi was said to have gone to the Teaching Hospital for routine medical check-up before death allegedly caught up with him at the facility.
The Basorun of Oyo, who is the Head of the kingmakers in the town, known as Oyomesi, Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, according to the available information, is expected to take over the Traditional Rulership of the town, till the time that a substantive Alaafin would be appointed.
The Monarch was born on October 15, 1938, into the Alowolodu Royal House, and as a member of the House of Oranmiyan to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, who was born 1871, and later became Alaafin in 1945, and Ibironke of Epo-Gingin, who died when he was young.
His paternal grandfather, according to historians, was Alaafin Adeyemi I Alowolodu, who ruled during the Kiriji War, and was the last independent ruler of the Oyo Empire before British colonialism.
Alaafin, a lover of boxing, was a boxer before ascending the throne of his forefathers, succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II in 1970, during the Governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, on November 18, 1970.
