Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Dies at 83

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is dead.

Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

It was learnt that the remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, palace sources disclosed
He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.

Governor of Oyo State, 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 before a new Alaafin is installed.

The monarch 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.

With the demise of Oba Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch as his predecessor, Bello Ladigbolu, was from the Agunloye House.

(Thisday)