Former deputy Governor and next Oyo State Governor hopeful, His Excellency Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, has today Saturday 22nd of April 2022, commiserated with the Oyo-mesi, family, friends, associates, subjects and the government and people of Oyo state over the transition of Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House saying the nation and most especially the Yoruba race had lost a rare gem.
In his condolence message signed and released through his Special Assistance on Media and Publicity, Olaniyi Stephen, Gbolarumi said the late Top Yoruba traditional will be sorely missed for his fatherly role and advice, describing his demise as a great loss to the nation.
Gbolarumi said: “I received the news of the passing away of Oba Alaafin Adeyemi with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.
Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died 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 in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, palace sources told this newspaper.
He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
In his younger age, the Alaafin was a lover of boxing. The monarch was a boxer but had to retire early due to his coronation.
He became the Alaafin of Oyo in November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, after the civil war. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.
During his reign, Oba Adeyemi permanently chaired the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In 1980, he was appointed as the chancellor of Uthman dan Fodiyo University in Sokoto. He held the position till 1992.
In 1990, President Ibrahim Babangida appointed him Amir-ul-Hajj in recognition of his commitment to the consolidation of Islam in Nigeria.
Alaafin was married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife. However, he had about twelve junior wives, whom he attended events with, this included Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.
He commiserated with the family of Alaafin Adeyemi, members of the Alaafin-in-Council, the deceased family, friends, associates and the entire indigenes of the ancient city on the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
