Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Ooni of Ife and former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola have described the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as shocking, saying the death signifies the end of an era.
They commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, and the entire Yoruba race over the demise of the late monarch.
Governor Oyetola described Alaafin’s transition as a personal loss
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said the late monarch was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and remained true to his convictions till he breathed his last.
According to Oyetola, “the Yoruba race has lost a quintessential intellectual whose knowledge of and commitment to the cause of Yoruba race were unrivaled, stressing that the monarch’s death remains a huge loss to the entire Yoruba race and the country as at large.
“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.
“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.
Ooni commiserates
Meanwhile, a paramount traditional ruler, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
In a statement signed by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, Ooni Ogunwusi said the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose lifetime 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.
He noted that Ife palace 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.
“The late Alaafin is one of the privileged elders who contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs.
Ooni Ogunwusi, the co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo monarch early last month when they both held a reconciliation meeting with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin in Ibadan where Alaafin promised to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year.
Ooni prayed for the soul of the departed monarch, as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death.
Oyinlola mourns Alaafin
On his part, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in a statement on Saturday described the late Oba as a true son of Oduduwa who lived his life to extend the frontiers of Yoruba culture and interest.
He said the late Oba embodied the very best in institutional Obaship comportment, decency and brilliance.
Oyinlola, who described Oba Adeyemi as a father recalled the tremendous support the Alaafin gave him while he was governor in Osun State as well as during his years in Lagos as military administrator.
He described the transition as a personal loss and a huge set back for the progressive movement in Yorubaland and in Nigeria.
While extending condolence to the government and people of Oyo State, the former governor prayed God to grant the departed soul eternal peace and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.
