The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has passed away. He ‘joined his ancestors’ at the age of 83, after almost 52 years on the throne and as the longest-reigning Alaafin of all time.
According to reports, Alaafin Adeyemi passed away in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo town in the early hours of today (Saturday) and traditional burial rites have begun.
The report also has it that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will make an official statement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi,’ Bashorun Yusuf Akinade, who will now lead Oyo town pending the installation of a new Alaafin.
Born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House, Alaafin Adeyemi was crowned on November 18, 1970, following the passing away of Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
Oba Ladigbolu was from the Agunloye Ruling House and with the passing of Alaafin Adeyemi, who was also known as Iku Baba Yeye, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch.
Ada Peter
