A first-class Yoruba monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has died at the age of 82, after reigning for 52 years.
The Monarch died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
The Media and Publicity Director to the late Alaafin, Mr Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the news of the Alaafin’s death
Durojaiye stated: “It is true. The Alaafin has joined his ancestors. I saw his remains laid down in the palace. The palace is mourning now. I can confirm that to you. There are many people that have stormed the palace at Oke-Afin in Oyo Town. I am there right now. I will give details later through a press statement.”
When asked about a press statement that was circulated debunking Alaafin’s death, Durojaiye responded: “I did not issue any press statement today. That press release was issued a long time ago when it was rumoured that the Alaafin was dead.”
He further disclosed that the body of kingmakers, known as Oyomesi, would take the decision on the burial of the monarch.
Oba Adeyemi was said to have gone to the Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for a routine medical check-up before death allegedly caught up with him at the facility.
The demise of Oba Adeyemi came 15 weeks after the death of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, who joined his ancestors on January 2, 2022.
Similarly, the Alaafin’s death occurred barely five months after the transition of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who also bade the world farewell on December 12, 2021.
Sources also said the remains of Oba Adeyemi III, had been moved from Ado-Ekiti to Oyo Town, Oyo State, in the early hours of Saturday April 23, for preparation for burial, as a traditional ruler and as a Muslim.
The Basorun of Oyo, who is the head of the kingmakers in the town, known as Oyomesi, Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, is expected to take over the traditional administration of the town, until a substantive Alaafin would be appointed.
The Late Alafin
The late Alaafin was born on October 15, 1938, into the Alowolodu Royal House, and as a member of the House of Oranmiyan, to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, who was born in 1871, and later became Alaafin in 1945, and Ibironke of Epo-Gingin, who died when Oba Adeyemi III was young.
His paternal grandfather, according to historians, was Alaafin Adeyemi I Alowolodu, who ruled during the Kiriji War, and was the last independent ruler of the Oyo Empire beforee the British colonialisation.
Alaafin, a lover of boxing, who was a boxer before ascending the throne of his forefathers, succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II in 1970, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, on November 18, 1970.
Confidence Okwuchi and Qasim Akinreti
