October 15, 2018 marked the beginning of another year for His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo, as the quintessential monarch clocked 80 years.
Psychologists are of the conviction that there is the need to go about the birthday resolution, which should be brought about by chains of
deep, critical and progressive thinking.
Consequently, on a bright Monday morning, Islamic clerics, traditional
religious worshippers, and Christian Ministers of God including
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria [CAN], Reverend Dr.
Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, retired Archbishop Ayo Ladiigbolu, gathered at the
ancient palace to offer praises and prayers to God almighty for good
healthy living of the Paramount ruler, and his family, as well as
divine guidance, and visionary leadership qualities of the Iku Baba
Yeye in ensuring unprecedented developments to the metropolis [Afijio,
Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West Local Governments] since ascended the
throne of his forefathers over forty seven years ago.
Also at the event were children of the monarch led by Tunde Adeyemi, the Ayabas, large turn- out of residents,
palace aides, relations and friends.
‘in his address, Oba Adeyemi did not go against the culture of
birthday festivities, but thought there is more explanation to the way
a birthday should be celebrated than it meets the eye.
He said, ‘’if births are linked to the purpose of an existence, then
birthdays should be thought of as a ‘period’ in which one is expected
to reflect on his purpose or mission on earth.
According to him, ‘’what am I driving at? On this day, I am grateful
to God for my accomplished life of , family, relations, and the
entire good people of Oyo metropolis.’’.
‘’I am also grateful that in any given moment I can look up to the
sky and take in all of the beauty of the ever changing magnificence
that is our world’’.
Oba Adeyemi disclosed that when he resumed in the palace after
coronation, it was a rubble devoid of needed structures, adding that
withy divine direction, relentlessness and deep commitment, he was
able to turn around the palace from what it was in the past to ‘’the
VATICAN and MECCA of Yoruba laand’’
To the Iku Baba Yeye, ‘’If gratitude is the great opener of the heart,
then my heart should be busted wide open to the sweetness of this
moment. If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every
situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled
with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. What is more,
gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday
epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how
we experience life and the world.’’.
After deeper reflections, thought about his birthday, and was of the
conviction that that out of our very many individual missions, one
mission is common to every mankind, and that is the ability to impact
on each other’s life, positively.
Earlier, CAN President described Oba Adeyemi 111 as ‘’a traditional
ruler with distinction’’.
Rev. Dr. Ayokunmi, pointed out that the story of Yoruba is not
complete if one leave out the Iku Baba Yeye, Alase Ekeji Orisa as he
is popularly called.
Said he, ’among the Obas in Yorubaland, he [Alaafin] distinguishes
himself as a custodian of Yoruba’s cultural heritage. As a lover of
culture, he is of the conviction that traditional rulers should be
seen as the perfect embodiment of the culture, of the place, as well
as the synthesis of the aspirations and goals of the nation. When
Alaafin speaks in Yoruba and English Language, you marvel at his depth
of knowledge’’.
He went further, ‘’you just don’t want him to stop. He is a repertoire
of history and knowledge. Despite the fact that he is over 70, when
he begins to talk about historical events both local and
international, with statistics and date, then you wonder how he
remembers all these things. Alaafin, is indeed, pride of the black
race’’
Rev. Dr. Ayokunle prayed for long life good health for the Alaafin ,
his family, children, and the entire people of Oyo metropolis.
In an interview, two of Alaafin’s sons, Tunde, and Obasegun Akeem Adeniyi, said respectively, ‘’we are here to celebrate an epitome of intelligence, culture and intellectualism in
royalty. We are here to celebrate a quintessential traditional father
of all, not only in Yorubaland, but the whole of Nigeria. We are also
here to celebrate an ambassador of culture. Long shall his Imperial
Majesty reign’’
Highlights at the occasion included presentation, of gifts and cutting of birthday cakes by Alaafin’s children, Ayabas, members of Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi) and invited guests.
