The Akosin of Yorubaland, High Chief Habeeb Okunlola, has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty , Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, as a ” revered Monarch who was a selfless and detribalized “.
Akosin said over the last 50 years, Alaafin sustained his goodwill and pedigree, given his extraordinary leadership style and passion for the welfare of his subjects.
Commenting on one year remembrance of the late Titan of Yorubaland , High Chief Okunlola stated that “as one of the longest-reigning royal fathers in Nigeria, and Chancellor of four reputable Universities both in Nigeria and overseas, the wise counsel of Oba Adeyemi on national issues cannot be underestimated. He was a strong advocate of peace and unity.
“He was a compassionate and unrelenting philanthropist and, above all, a life coach and mentor to many accomplished successful men and women from various walks of life”.
According to him, The late monarch was not only a father to the people of Oyo but to the generality of people in Yorubaland going by his unique way of relating with people and contributing to their upliftments not minding their cultural, religious, tribal and economic differences.
He posited that the death of Alaafin came at a time he was most needed to reposition Oyo State and Nigeria to become peaceful and secured human societies.
“Kabiyesi Alaafin no doubt came to this world, saw a lot of things and conquered numerous ones which he used for the better livings of not only his subjects but every being he related within the capacity of a traditional ruler.
“Without mincing words, not only does the late Alaafin impressed the knowledgeable audience with his mastery of colonial history, his oratory usually attracts rounds of applause and standing ovations that left the audience spellbound and one will begin to wonder if he was indeed a Monarch or a visiting professor of African History”.
Akosin further acknowledged that the late Oba Adeyemi “was a superb storyteller and incorrigible performer. “When the late Oba Adeyemi spoke in Yoruba or English, you will marvel at his depth of intellect”.
He prayed onto Allah to be with the family the late Imperial Majesty left behind, and forgive the shortcomings of the late Monarch and reward all his deeds with Aljannat Fidaus”.
