One of the longest serving Yoruba monarch’s, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has joined his ancestors.
The monarch, who was the third from the Alowolodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State.
He was aged 83 years.
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, according to palace sources.
He was the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
The monarch had been sick and plans were underway to fly him abroad for further medical treatment before his demise.
A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.
His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died. All happened in less than five months.
A new Olubadan has been installed but the Soun throne remains vacant.
Briefly
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
He was crowned on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.
While he reigned, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
With the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch. Mr Adeyemi’s predecessor, Alaafin Ladigbolu, was from the Agunloye House.
PREMIUM TIMES
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