REVERED Yoruba traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (Iku Baba Yeye), has passed on at 83.
Oba Lamidi, according to report, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. He was on the throne for 52 years, and was recorded as one of the longest reigning Alaafin ever.
Born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo empire, he was crowned on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
The remains of the cerebral monarch were said to have been brought to Oyo in the early hours of today, Saturday, and traditional rites have since begun.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, 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 before a new Alaafin is installed.
Popularly known as Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowolodu Ruling House, 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 after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – passed on.
All happened in less than five months.
While he reigned, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
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