President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, aged 83 years, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country.
Oba Adeyemi was billed to be flown abroad for medical treatment and tickets had already been bought for him and a few wives expected to accompany him before he passed on.
The Alaafin was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
The president, in a condolence message by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja, noted that Oba Adeyemi’s reign witnessed transformations in his domain.
He 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.
He particularly lauded the late traditional ruler for promoting values of peace and stability.
Buhari equally noted the late traditional ruler participated in numerous national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, including living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
The president shared 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.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, described the death as a great loss for Nigeria and Africa at large.
Abubakar in a statement by his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday in Abuja, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a worthy ambassador of Yoruba culture and royal elegance.
The former vice president recalled that his last encounter with Oba Adeyemi was during the coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan.
“I admired the royal splendour of Oba Adeyemi and the fact that he remained the longest serving Alaafin means that Oyo and indeed Nigerians will not forget his reign,” he said.
Abubakar, who said that he was deeply touched by the news of Oba Adeyemi’s demise, commiserated with his immediate family, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of Oyo State.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late king a gentle repose and to give his immediate family and the people of Oyo Kingdom the fortitude to bear the loss.
National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a statement, said:
“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”.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described the death as “a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race”.
Makinde, while describing Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, said that he was “an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater”.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said, “Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful”.
Makinde 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.
The governor, however, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed traditional ruler.
According to Makinde, apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it has 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.
He 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.”
According to him, 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 !”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the passage of the Alaafin as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
This is contained in a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, on Saturday.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, stated that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire life was dedicated to the promotion of the prestigious Yoruba culture and advancement of humanity.
“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 that contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs,” he said.
Ooni Ogunwusi recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo Royal Father early last month when they both held a closed door meeting of peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan.
According to him, Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year.
Ooni prayed for the soul of the late Alaafin as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death.
He also prayed that Oyo would be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the Royal Father in full accordance with the 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 the 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.
“God shall solidly stand with the Oyomesi and the entire Oyo kingdom,” the statement said.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, says the death of Oba Adeyemi “is the end of a remarkable and glorious era”.
Balogun made the assertions in a statement he personally signed on Saturday in Ibadan, following the announcement of the death of the great Oba.
The Olubadan, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the Oyo traditional ruler, recalled that he met the late Adeyemi at his coronation/installation in March.
He described the late traditional ruler as “a royal father par excellence, who projected Yoruba culture and civilisation with awe and dignity”.
According to him, with his exit, Yoruba has lost a rare gem.
“A highly scholarly, pragmatic and dynamic monarch with undiluted love for his race and people, Alaafin would be sorely missed by humanity for his contributions which would continue to speak for him eternally.
“Together with the late Alaafin, we have been friends for a very long time. So, his death is a personal loss to me and very painful too that he won’t be around now that I have become Olubadan to share from his rich experience.
“Death is an inevitable end of mankind and it will come at Allah’s appointed time for every individual. We take solace in the good works the Almighty Allah used the late Alaafin to do for humanity and the good name being left behind.
“I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, the Oyoland and the immediate and extended families of our highly reverred Alaafin with supplication to the Almighty Allah to accept him to His kingdom and grant all the fortitude to bear the loss,” Olubadan said.
To the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the passing on of the Alaafin “is the end of an era”.
Emir Sulu-Gambari said in Ilorin that Oba Adeyemi’s departure was also a colossal loss to traditional institutions in the nation.
He noted that Oba Adeyemi’s reign witnessed tremendous display of royalty, excellence, peace and harmony among inhabitants of the ancient town of Oyo, and Oyo State in general.
“Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s death marks the end of another era; the world will surely miss the exit of a bridge-builder.
“The late Oba Adeyemi III used his long reign and old age to foster unity among the Yoruba race,’’ the emir’s spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, quoted him as saying.
The emir also commiserated with the immediate and extended families of the late paramount ruler, the Oyomesi-in-Council, government, and the good people of Oyo State over the exit of a “titan’’.
“The emir prayed to God to comfort his loved ones and give the entire people of Oyo the fortitude to bear the great loss,’’ Emir Sulu-Gambari was also quoted to have said.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the passing of the Alaafin as shocking.
Oyetola also said Alaafin’s death signified the end of an era.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan on Saturday in Osogbo, said the death of the first class traditional ruler was a personal loss to him.
According to him, the late Oba Adeyemi was a good friend of Osun “who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements”.
Oyetola commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Yoruba race over the demise of the late traditional ruler.
The governor also condoled with the late royal father’s family, the government and people of Oyo state over the unfortunate incident.
Oyetola said the late traditional ruler was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and that he remained true to his convictions over the years until his demise .
The governor further described “Iku Baba Yeye”, as he was fondly called as a humble and an amiable traditional ruler, despite his revered position.
He said that the Yoruba race had lost a quintessential intellectual, whose knowledge 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 to 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.”
Adeyemi ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.
A tribute entitled ‘The Iroko Has Fallen’ signed by High Chief Tola Adeniyi, the Ajala Iji & Jagun Oodua Adimula ll and Chairman of Council, Yoruba Global Alliance (YGA), reads:
“The saddening news of the royal passage of His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi hit us like high voltage thunderbolt. Totally unexpected and unanticipated.
The Alaafin Oba Adeyemi lll was a veritable inspirer and an inspiration to Yoruba self-consciousness. He was a towering pillar of support and great defender of our spiritual faith. He believed in the avowed rightness of the Yoruba Self-Determination agenda the same way he believed in the freedom of all peoples the world over to determine and choose the way they want to be governed.
Oba Adeyemi was a phenomenal monarch and an embodiment of the quintessential Yoruba mores, traditions and culture and a huge encyclopaedia of Yoruba history. An intellectual with a gargantuan library in his crowned head, Oba Adeyemi was a great teacher, debater, discussant and orator.
The likes of Oba Adeyemi appear on earth once in a millennium. Incomparable and irreplaceable, the uniqueness of Oba Adeyemi’s persona and charm stood him out as an Alaafin whose shoes may be difficult to inherit.
The transition of Oba Adeyemi is a painful loss to the Yoruba nation, to the African race and to global humanity in general.
The Yoruba Global Alliance, along with millions of our accredited members worldwide, mourns the passage of this titanic Monarch and a dependable and reliable royal father.
Iku Baba Yeye, O di gbere, O d’arinako!”
The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, described the death as a national tragedy, colossal and personal loss to him, saying the foremost Yoruba monarch had lived a worthy life all through his reign.
Iba Adams in a statement which he signed personally expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, stating that Nigeria,Yoruba and the ancient town of Oyo had loss a great monarch,whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarch.
“Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy,it is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country.The Yoruba has loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.
“A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin
as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry.
“There’s is no way I can figure out this collosal loss. Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race.He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race.Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo,but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.
“He occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles as the Alaafin.With much honour,reverence and candour that actually gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
“He showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.
“I was at the palace last month where Kabiesi led us to Bishop Ladigbolu’s event in Oyo and he was hale and hearty. By virtue of my position, I always keep in touch and I know what it means to be an Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, so it was a personal loss and a rude shock to me.
“It was a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.
“The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land.
That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.
“Baba’s 52- year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.
“In his 52-year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution. So, I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss. I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.
“He brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic, even in the area of education, sports and a cultural development. He was a topmost cultural icon that is well respected across the world and symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage.
“Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life. He installed the late MKO Abiola in 1988 and thirty years after, precisely in 2018, he installed my humble self as holders of the prestigious position that began in 1530.
“As far as I am concerned, Kabiesi’s life was full of great memories and his death was a national tragedy and huge loss.
“The news of his death today, really reminded me of the days I lost my father and mother. Those were the saddest days in my life.
“Though, Kabiesi died at a very old age, he was the chancellor of four universities. Two prominent universities in Nigeria and two abroad, and he had influenced four different universities located in Oyo town.
“In truth, we will sorely miss his wise counsel. We will miss his voice and resoluteness. We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.
We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength. We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues. We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause. We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all, we will miss his whole being.
“I commiserate with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the good people of Oyo State. I also commiserate with the Oyo Mesi.
“I commiserate with the Oloris and the princes and the princess and I share in the pain of the entire Oyo town and all the Obas in Yoruba land because Alaafin’s death is very personal to me, and it is no doubt, one death too many. I pray God to give the entire Yorubaland, the strength and the fortitude to bear this colossal loss”.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State also mourned the passing of Alaafin.
Obaseki described the late Alaafin of Oyo as a great ruler, who displayed kindness and compassion to his people, espousing the virtues of hard work, diligence, and love for humanity.
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of a revered royal father, and an illustrious leader of the Yoruba race, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
“Brave and cheerful, Oba Adeyemi embodied the ideals of the Yoruba nation, promoting the rich culture and heritage of the Yorubas, and providing wise counsel to those who sought guidance from the throne.
“During his over 52-year spell on the throne, Oyo witnessed numerous transformations and transitions, but he remained true to his heritage and harped on the need for brotherly love and conscientious living.
“He will be remembered for his kind nature, conviviality, wisdom, and love for humanity and living,” he said.
Obaseki commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State, the Oyo Kingdom, family, friends, associates, and well-wishers, and prayed that God would l grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State described the death as the fall of a great Iroko.
Akeredolu, who is the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, said the Oba’s death was a rude shock.
This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Saturday in Akure.
Akeredolu described the transition of the highly revered Oba to the world beyond as a big blow to Oyo Kingdom, Yoruba race and the country at large.
“We have lost a quintessential traditional ruler and custodian of the Yoruba culture. His contributions to the development and advancement of the country and Yoruba Land in particular are unquantifiable.
“He was a great pillar. A great giant who did not only represent our cultural values but also preserved and promoted the Yoruba culture. He was a repository of knowledge.
“With over five decades on the throne of his fathers, Oba Lamidi III was the longest-reigning Alaafin whose reign has been the most remarkable for the entire Oyo Kingdom. He was a symbol of Yoruba Unity.
“His commitment toward ensuring the unity of the Yoruba can not be forgotten in a hurry. He lived a life invariably imbued with candour and resplendence. He was royal to the end.” the governor said.
He added that the efforts of the late Alafin toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba would not be forgotten in a hurry.
The governor expressed his condolences to Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah would accept Baba’s soul and give him eternal rest in his blossom.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, described the death as a huge loss to Nigeria.
Kalu, in a condolence message on Saturday in Abuja, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Adeyemi to nation building.
He said the deceased would be remembered as a selfless statesman and nationalist with passion for a united and indivisible Nigeria.
While commiserating with the government and people of Oyo State, especially the royal household in Oyo kingdom, Kalu prayed to Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Oba Adeyemi and grant him al-Jannah Firdaus.
He urged the family of the late Oba to sustain the remarkable deeds of their late patriarch, adding that the 52 year reign of the late traditional ruler was historic, remarkable and successful.
According to Kalu, the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III is a big loss to the country.
“The late Oba was an accomplished and outstanding personality, who was passionate about the progress of Oyo state and Nigeria in general.
“He played selfless and patriotic roles in the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
“The late Oba was a strong advocate of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“His counsel on national issues will be greatly missed.
“Nigeria has lost a rare gem,” he said.
Kalu prayed to Allah to give the family of deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State also commiserated with Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the demise of the Alaafin.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, noted that the late octogenarian traditional ruler was an influential leader who was committed to the development of his kingdom and beyond.
According to Okowa, the king led a good life during which his influence transcended his domain and indeed, Oyo State.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, the immediate family of the Alaafin, the Oyo Mesi as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council over the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
“The late Oba’s 52 years reign making him the longest serving Alaafin, recorded remarkable peace and tremendous development in his domain.
“He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Oyo state,” Okowa said.
He urged the family of the deceased royal father, friends, associates and the people of Oyo to take solace in the fact that the Oba lived an exemplary life and was a great voice on national issues.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed Oba eternal rest.
Meanwhile, some aides and associates of Oba Adeyemi have described the traditional ruler as a great mentor, who would be sorely missed.
Hundreds of residents of Oyo Town have continued to throng the ancient palace to mourn the demise of Adeyemi.
Commenting, Mr Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin’s Media Aide, expressed shock over the demise of the highly revered traditional ruler.
Durojaiye described Oba Adeyemi as a great traditional ruler, who had contributed immensely to the development of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria.
He said that the traditional ruler was a custodian of Yoruba culture and history, and “he is loved by his people” .
Durojaiye said that before the late Oba Adeyemi ascended the throne, Oyo Town was “not as developed as it is today” .
According to him, Alaafin is a great traditional ruler, who all other traditional rulers are very proud of.
“He was a great custodian of Yoruba culture and history.
“He was a philanthropist. He has transformed Oyo Town and the palace from what he met on ascending the throne. We have lost a great promoter of Yoruba culture,” Durojaiye said.
Also, Paula Gomez, the Alaafin’s Cultural Ambassador, described the late traditional ruler as “a great man and mentor” , adding he was a father to everybody.
“I don’t know what happened. I spoke to Baba last week and he was fine. Maybe his death is natural.
“I worked with Alaafin on preservation of heritage and culture. He was a father to everybody. He was a great man and mentor,” she said.
Some palace workers said that the traditional ruler already had premonition of his death few weeks back.
“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.
“We are happy to have him as the Alaafin. He ascended the throne at a young age, preserved the stool, promoted the Yoruba culture and was an epitome of royalty,” they said.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun (APC-Ogun Central); Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, former Secretary to Oyo State Government and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, have extolled the virtues of the late Alaafin.
Amosun described Oba Adeyemi as “a human library with remarkable knowledge of the history of Yorubaland and Nigeria”.
The former Governor of Ogun State said Oba Adeyemi’s death was a personal loss to him, adding that he was his counsellor and adviser.
“I have lost a counsellor and adviser whose wisdom and courage are not in surplus supply in this clime.
“The exit of Oba Adeyemi III is a great loss to all of us in Yorubaland and indeed, the whole of Nigeria.
“Oba Adeyemi was a symbol and custodian of the rich culture and traditions of the Yoruba traditional institution as well as a source of inspiration for the entire Yorubaland.
“Kabiyesi was a cherished leader and respected Elderstatesman, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment toward unity, cohesion, harmony and continued development of Oyo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“It is on record that Oba Adeyemi’s 52 years reign as the Alaafin of Oyo brought about all-around development to Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.’’
Amosun, also described the late paramount traditional ruler as a detribalised Oba, who epitomised and championed peaceful co-existence, as well as unity of the people.
The senator commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State on the passage of Kabiyesi, saying that Oba Adeyemi left a huge shoe that would be difficult to fill.
“It is my prayer that Almighty Allah (SWT) grant our Kabiyesi Aljannah Firdaus. May He grant his family, the people, as well as Yorubaland, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Alli described the late Oba Adeyemi as “Yoruba history encyclopaedia and custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, said he received the death of the traditional ruler with rude shock
Alli, who is also the Maye Balogun of Ibadanland, said that the death of Alaafin came at a time the state needed his wealth of experience to reshape the political and economic activities in the state.
He condoled with the family of Alaafin, the entire people of Oyo town as well as Yoruba descendants in Nigeria and abroad.
In his condolence, Akintola, another APC governorship aspirant, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a father to him, describing his death as a loss to him, Oyo State and Nigeria.
He described the late Alaafin as “an enigma and traditional ruler of immense value and a great man.
“If you want to know much of Yorubaland, just engage him for few minutes and you will be fulfilled with what you get.
“The late Alaafin brought tremendous development to Oyo Town.
“Under him, Oyo has three universities and the town expanded beyond what he met on ascension of the throne,’’ he said.
