By Akinwale Kasali

The revered Arole Oduduwa, the Ooni of Ife,  Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, is yet to come terms with the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The Monarch from the Cradle of the Yoruba Race has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo as a loss to the  entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

In a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, Ooni Ogunwusi,  who doubles as the Natural Head of Oduduwa Race Worldwide stated that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire lifetime 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 who contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs.”

The Oonirisa who is also the Co- Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo Monarch early last month when they both held a closed door meeting for peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan where Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before middle of this year.

He prayed for the soul of the departed Monarch, as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death and prayed that Oyo will be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the Monarch in full accordance with culture and traditions of their ancestors.

“While 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 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. Olodumare shall solidly stand with the OYOMESI and the entire Oyo kingdom,” the statement read.

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.

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.