Photo by The Guardian
A prominent Yoruba monarch and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, has ‘joined his ancestors’ at the age of 83, after almost 52 years on the throne – and as the longest-reigning Alaafin of all-time.
Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowolodu 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.
Born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House, Alaafin Adeyemi was crowned on November 18, 1970, following the passing away of Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
Oba Ladigbolu was from the Agunloye Ruling House and with the passing of Alaafin Adeyemi, who was also known as Iku Baba Yeye, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch.
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.
Oyo State Governor, 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 late Friday night.
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.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
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