Popular Yoruba monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is dead
DAILY GIST reliably gathered that Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State in South-West Nigeria.
The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo town, 62 kilometres from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, palace sources told this newspaper.
He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.
The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on.
the Palace of Oyo has confirmed the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The spokesperson for the late Oba, Mr Bode Durojaye, confirmed the death in a statement.
He said, “Alaafin is dead. Details in due course.”
The monarch has been buried in the ancient town of Oyo.
His remains were laid to rest on Saturday within the premises of the palace.
Following the announcement of his demise, Islamic rites were conducted on the body of late Alaafin, signalling the beginning of his final journey home.
The monarch is the third prominent Oba to have died in Oyo State in less than five months.
Following the announcement of his demise, Islamic rites were conducted on the body of late Alaafin, signalling the beginning of his final journey home.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Okadunni Oyewumi died on December 12, 2021, the late Olubadan of Ibadan, died on January 2, 2022 and the Alaafin died on April 22.
Also, the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi died in December 2021 and the monarch of Ikoyi town in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Abdulyekeen Ayinla died in April 2022.
