Alafin's Rule Remarkable In Many Ways, Says Buhari
He Was Forthright On National Affairs; An Iconic Monarch......Obasanjo, Ooni Of Ife
Late Alain, A Big Iroko, Says Tinubu
Yoruba Race, Oyo State Lost A Worthy Father....Gov Makinde
His Death Like A Thunderstorm.....Gani Adams
By Dare Ajayi (Oyo State Correspondent)
The 'Iku Baba Yeye' of yorubaland and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi 111, who passed on late Friday, April 22, 2022, at the age 83 years, was laid to rest on Saturday, according to Islamic rites.
The Oyo monarch reportedly died after a brief illness at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. The news of his demise came like shock waves across the land with eminent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari praising the virtues of the late Alaafin. He was laid to rest in his palace in the ancient town of Oyo state, South West, Nigeria.
As early as 8am on Saturday, the late Alaafin's palace was filled to capacity with mourners, some of who were weeping. Islamic clerics and many dignatries thronged the palace for the burial which drew great emotions from familiy members, sympathisers, friends and associates of the foremost yoruba king.
With the announcement othe news of his demise, Islamic rites were conducted on the body of late Alaafin which signalled the commencement of his final journey to eternity. The Chief Imam of Oyo town who led the Islamic were joined by members of the family of the late traditional ruler and some of his chiefs to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. His body was then taken back to the palace after the prayers where the final burial was held.
Oba Adeyemi, who served as the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, was reportedly sick and was scheduled to be flown abroad for treatment before he joined his ancestors on Friday. He was the third to ascend the throne from the Alowolodu Ruling House and ruled for 52 years – making him the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Oyo town.
The deceased Alaafin was born on October 15, 1938, and succeeded Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, as the new Alaafin on November 18, 1970. Following his demise, the Bashorun of Oyo and Head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, Yusuf Akinade, is expected to lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin would be installed.
The monarch died months after the death of two other top traditional rulers in the state – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi. While Oba Olalekan Balogun has been crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, the people of Ogbomoso have yet to get a new traditional ruler.
However, a news reported quoted the late Oyo royal father as having had a premonition recently of his death. The Aide, according to Punch news report on Saturday, revealed that Alaafin told them two weeks ago that his forefathers were already calling him.
The aide said, “My father has gone to meet his forefathers. Atanda (Alaafin) went to play with his forefathers. He is not dead. Two weeks ago, he called and told us that his late father was calling him to come. We were afraid and asked if truly he saw his father.
“He ascended the throne at a young age and was wealthy and blessed with long life, preserved the stool, promoted the Yoruba culture and was an epitome of royalty. We are happy to have him as the Alaafin.”
Meanwhile, some residents of Oyo town who thronged the Alaafin's Palace to mourn his death on Saturday were allegedly stung by vicious bees.
This incident reportedly occurred around 10 am after Islamic clerics had arrived at the palace in preparation for the burial of Oba Adeyemi.
To ward off the attacking bees however, residents in the open space in the palace who were affected, plucked tree branches and leaves to drive away the unwanted creatures.
A policeman was said to be one of the victims of the bee sting and some of the mourners assisted him to drive away the bees and even removed some of the insects which got stuck in his uniform.
Meanwhile, condolences have continued to pour in from prominent Nigerians who were shocked at the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, among them is President Muhammadu Buhari.
BUHARI MOURNS
President Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State over the passing of Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, 83, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country, and witnessed transformations in his domain.
The president affirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s 52 years rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity while promoting values of peace and stability.
As a highly revered traditional ruler, President Buhari noted Oba Adeyemi’s numerous participations in national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, and the living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
The president shares the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, particularly in sports where he left another footprint. He prayed that the Almighty God would receive his soul.
HE STOOD OUT AS A FORTHRIGHT VOICE....Obasanjo
Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,but in his condolence, described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, as one who stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs.
Obasanjo showered encomiums on the late monarch, saying: “As a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria, he stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs and he was as well a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.
HOUSE OF REPS SPEAKER, GBAJABIAMILA MOURNS
The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, mourned the Alaafin, describing his passing away as a sad development that touched him personally.
Gbajabiamila said the death of the paramount Yoruba ruler came to him as a rude shock. He described the late Alaafin, who had been like a father to him, as a very intelligent father with a sound grasp of traditional, social, political and international history.
According to him, Oba Adeyemi was a man of peace whose five decades of quality leadership to his people endeared him to the masses.
Gbajabiamila, who was recently appointed the Aare Baasofin of Yoruba Land by the late Alaafin, said the death of the traditional ruler had created a void too difficult to fill.
He said the Alaafin would be sorely missed by him and all Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people, as he served as a father figure to all, giving wise counsel when needed.
He had supported the political career of many Nigerian leaders especially in the quest of Gbajabiamila’s journey to the Speakership of the country.
While praying for Allah (SWT) to find a peaceful resting place for the Alaafin, Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the people and Government of Oyo State, especially the Royal Family and the entire Yoruba race.
ALAAFIN, AN ICONIC MONARCH, Says Ooni Of Ife
The Arole Oduduwa and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
Ooni who spoke through a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare on Saturday, 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.
The Ooni said: "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.
Ooni Ogunwusi, 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 of 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.
Ooni prayed for the soul of the departed monarch, as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death and prayed the Oyo will be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the monarch in full accordance of culture and traditions of their ancestors.
"While the demise of 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 noted.
YORUBA, OYO PEOPLE LOST A GREAT RULER, A WORTHY FATHER....Gov Makinde
Oyo State governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, is a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race.
The governor, on Saturday, described Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, noting that he was an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.
The statement indicated that the governor expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed monarch.
The governor, who stated that apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it had also lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi III had become by virtue of his high-octane understanding of Yoruba history, politics and national development.
Makinde said: “I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
“I express heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which Oba Adeyemi chaired for decades, the Oyomesi and the entire people of Oyo Kingdom.
“I equally commiserate with the Oloris, children and entire Adeyemi family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father.
“Kabiyesi’s departure is a huge loss not only to Oyo State, to which he committed 52 years of his life as the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, but also to Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race.
“Oba Adeyemi was our last man standing in the rank of most eminent royal fathers with long years of leadership.
“He became a golden king, an institution and an authority rolled into one by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.
“Oba Adeyemi not only elevated the Alaafin throne with his knowledge and wisdom, he became a worthy exemplar for royal leadership in Africa and brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria. Kabiyesi never spared anything in his strive to make Oyo State greater and to bring about the Nigeria of everyone’s collective dream.
“Personally, Kabiyesi’s death is a great loss to me, because he proved to be a worthy father and had been ever so supportive of our government.
“His words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.
“It is my prayer that God accepts Kabiyesi’s soul into Aljanah Firdaus and uphold everyone and everything he left behind.
“Good night, Iku Baba Yeye!”
TINUBU MOURNS, SAYS A BIG IROKO HAS FALLEN
Presidential aspirant of the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as one who ruled wisely for 52 years.
Tinubu whom is one of the National Leaders of APC, said Adeyemi would be sorely missed. He stated that with his death, a big iroko had fallen.
Tinubu's remarks were contained in a message he personally signed, stating that:
“I’m deeply saddened by the transition of our royal father, the revered Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
“After ascending to the royal throne at the age of 31, Alaafin became one of the most influential, greatly respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Nigeria and indeed Africa and beyond.
“Alaafin fostered harmony and brought prosperity and development to the ancient Oyo Kingdom. He was loved by his people.
“Wisely ruling on the throne for 52 years, he became the longest reigning Alaafin that ever ruled Oyo Kingdom.
With his transition, a big Iroko has fallen. His passing was an auspicious era in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, but also for the Yoruba and the entirety of the black race.
“An elder-statesman and patriot, Alaafin Adeyemi, was bold and courageous. He spoke truth to power. His interventions in national affairs helped the nation navigate difficult moments and helped usher a more just society.
“He played vital roles in the struggle for democracy, working assiduously towards the establishment of our democracy.
“In recognition of his important contributions to peace, religious harmony and stability in Nigeria, the nation gifted him the high honour of Commander of the Federal Republic.
“Alaafin was also a strong pillar of the arts, culture and tradition. Kabiyesi took upon himself the task of promoting Nigerian arts and culture for which he received many ambassadorial awards in Nigeria and beyond.
“I had an abiding personal relationship with Alaafin whom I deeply respected. Mentor, leader and father figure, I visited Kabiyesi in February his palace in Oyo to seek his prayers and blessings which he graciously gave, little did I know it was the last time we would see each other face to face.
“I commiserate with his wonderful and loving family, particularly his wives and children. I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the chiefs and the people of Oyo kingdom. My condolences also to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State, and indeed the entire nation over the demise of this eminent traditional ruler. The black race has lost a titan who will be sorely missed.
“I pray that his family, Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba race and indeed all Nigerians find consolation and strength in that we must now dedicate ourselves to live up to the ideals for which Alaafin stood.
“May the soul of Alaafin Adeyemi rest in perfect peace.”
LAGOS GOV, SANWO-OLU, CONDOLES GOV MAKINDE, OYO PEOPLE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
He commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient town of Oyo and the entire Yoruba both home and in the diaspora over the demise of the first class traditional ruler.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, described the death of Oba Adeyemi III as a great loss to the people of Oyo town, the traditional institution in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said the late monarch’s service to the people of the ancient town, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially in the area of promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition will remain his enduring legacy.
The governor also condoled millions of Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora as the Alaafin of Oyo joined his ancestors.
Sanwo-Olu urged the family, friends and associates of the deceased as well as the entire people of Oyo Kingdom, whose interests the late Iku Baba Yeye represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime to work towards immortalising him and ensuring that the legacies of the late Alaafin of Oyo are sustained.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the Oyo State, especially sons and daughters of the ancient Oyo Kingdom over the death of one of the foremost and most respected traditional rulers in Nigeria, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday.
“The death of Oba Adeyemi is a great loss not only to the people of Oyo State but the entire Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora because of the unique position the Alaafin of Oyo holds as a descendant of Oduduwa. He will be greatly missed.
“He was one of the great promoters of Yoruba culture and tradition. He contributed immensely to the growth and development of Oyo Kingdom and improved the livelihood of the people of the town. As a first-class monarch, he left a lasting legacy that the people of Oyo ancient town will continue to cherish.
“I pray that Almighty God finds a peaceful resting place for the soul of the late Oba Adeyemi and grant the royal family, Yoruba land and the people of Oyo town the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
ALAAFIN'S TRANSITION, END OF AN ERA....Gov Oyetola
Osun state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as shocking, saying it signifies the end of an era.
Oyetola also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Yoruba race over the demise of the late monarch.
The Governor condoled the late royal father’s family, the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.
He described Alaafin’s transition as a personal loss because, according to him, the late monarch was “a good friend of Osun who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said the late monarch was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and that he remained true to his convictions over the years until he breathed his last.
Oyetola further described Iku Baba Yeye as a humble and an amiable monarch despite his revered position, saying that the Yoruba race has lost a quintessential intellectual whose knowledge of and commitment to the cause of Yoruba race were unrivaled.
The Governor said: “I received with sadness news of the transition of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. This is a huge loss to the entire Yoruba race and the country as a whole.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun, I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, the royal family, subjects, friends and associates of the late traditional ruler.
“Oba Adeyemi was a visionary and an exemplary leader whose 52-year reign brought tremendous attention, peace, stability and unprecedented development to the ancient Oyo town and its people. Baba was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and he remained true to his convictions over the years until he breathed his last.
“He will be long remembered for his impacts, achievements, outstanding legacies and remarkable service as a custodian of the rich Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.
“I pray Allah overlook his shortcomings and admit him to Al Jannah Firdaus. May He also grant his immediate family, Governor Makinde and the entire people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear his loss.”
NEWS OF HIS DEATH, LIKE A THUNDERSTORM....Gani Adams
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams, has described the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a national tragedy as well as a personal and colossal loss.
The Aare Onakakanfo, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said that the news of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm.
Adams, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, noted that the foremost Yoruba monarch lived a worthy life all through his reign.
“It is a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians", he said. (Additional Reports from Punch, Vanguard, FrontPage Online). NNL.