Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Dies At 83

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

 By Ademola Adegbite (Vanguard)

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, last night joined his ancestors.

He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for over 52 years.

Oba Lamidi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, joined his ancestors at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State.

His remains were said to have been moved to Oyo town in the earliest part of Saturday and were received at Idi-Igba by his first son, Prince Tunde and his other siblings.

The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.

Unconfirmed reports said the paramount ruler had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.

A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.

His death came a few months after two First Class monarchs in the state, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi joined their ancestors.

While the Soun, Oba Oyewumi joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, the Olubadan, Oba Adetunji joined on January 2, 2022.

However, the Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi was born on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

He was crowned on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.

While he reigned, he was Chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.