*Oyo lost great ruler, worthy father- Makinde
*Buhari, Oyetola, Akeredolu, Olubadan, Emir Of Ilorin, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Okowa, Folarin, Balogun, others pay condolences
MINA Blog– The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III joined his ancestors on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, where he had gone for routine medical checkup.
The first class Oba, who reigned for 52 years, departed at the age of 83.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as “a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race”.
Makinde, while describing Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, said that he was “an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater”.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said, “Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful”.
Makinde expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.
The governor, however, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed traditional ruler.
According to Makinde, apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it has also lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi III had become by virtue of his high-octane understanding of Yoruba history, politics and national development.
He said: “I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
“I express heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which Oba Adeyemi chaired for decades, the Oyomesi and the entire people of Oyo Kingdom.
“I equally commiserate with the Oloris, children and entire Adeyemi family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father.
“Kabiyesi’s departure is a huge loss not only to Oyo State, to which he committed 52 years of his life as the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, but also to Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race.”
According to him, Oba Adeyemi was our last man standing in the rank of most eminent royal fathers with long years of leadership.
“He became a golden king, an institution and an authority rolled into one by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.
“Oba Adeyemi, not only elevated the Alaafin throne with his knowledge and wisdom, he became a worthy exemplar for royal leadership in Africa and brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Kabiyesi never spared anything in his strive to make Oyo State greater and to bring about the Nigeria of everyone’s collective dream.
“Personally, Kabiyesi’s death is a great loss to me, because he proved to be a worthy father and had been ever so supportive of our government.
“His words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.
“It is my prayer that God accepts Kabiyesi’s soul into Aljanah Firdaus and uphold everyone and everything he left behind. Good night, Iku Baba Yeye !”
ALAAFIN’S DEATH SHOCKING, GOV. OYETOLA
Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as shocking.
Oyetola said the Alaafin’s death signified the end of an era.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan on Saturday in Osogbo, said the death of the first class traditional ruler was a personal loss to him.
According to him, the late Oba Adeyemi was a good friend of Osun who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements.
Oyetola commiserated with his Oyo state counterpart, Gov. Seyi Makinde, and the entire Yoruba race over the demise of the late traditional ruler.
The governor also condoled with the late royal father’s family, the government and people of Oyo state over the unfortunate incident.
Oyetola said the late traditional ruler was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and that he remained true to his convictions over the years until his demise .
The governor further described “Iku Baba Yeye”, as he was fondly called as a humble and an amiable traditional ruler, despite his revered position.
He said that the Yoruba race had lost a quintessential intellectual, whose knowledge and commitment to the cause of Yoruba race were unrivaled.
The governor said: “I received with sadness news of the transition of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
“This is a huge loss to the entire Yoruba race and the country as a whole.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun, I commiserate with Gov. Seyi Makinde, the royal family, subjects, friends and associates of the late traditional ruler.
“Oba Adeyemi was a visionary and an exemplary leader whose 52-year reign brought tremendous attention, peace, stability and unprecedented development to the ancient Oyo town and its people.
“Baba was a strong believer in progressive ideals, and he remained true to his convictions over the years until he breathed his last.
“He will be long remembered for his impacts, achievements, outstanding legacies and remarkable service as a custodian of the rich Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.
“I pray Allah to overlook his shortcomings and admit him to Al Jannah Firdaus.
“May He also grant his immediate family, Governor Makinde and the entire people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear his loss.”
ALAAFIN’S DEMISE: ANOTHER GREAT IROKO TREE HAS FALLEN – AKEREDOLU
Gov Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as the fall of a great Iroko.
Akeredolu who is the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum said the Oba’s death was a rude shock.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure.
Akeredolu described the transition of the highly revered Oba to the world beyond as a big blow to the Oyo Kingdom, Yoruba race and the country at large.
“We have lost a quintessential traditional ruler and custodian of the Yoruba culture. His contributions to the development and advancement of the country and Yoruba Land in particular are unquantifiable.
“He was a great pillar. A great giant who did not only represent our cultural values but also preserved and promoted the Yoruba culture. He was a repository of knowledge.
“With over five decades on the throne of his fathers, Oba Lamidi III was the longest-reigning Alaafin whose reign has been the most remarkable for the entire Oyo Kingdom. He was a symbol of Yoruba Unity.
“His commitment toward ensuring the unity of the Yoruba can not be forgotten in a hurry. He lived a life invariably imbued with candour and resplendence. He was royal to the end.” the governor said.
He added that the efforts of the late Alafin toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba would not be forgotten in a hurry.
The governor expressed his condolences to Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah would accept Baba’s soul and give him eternal rest in his blossom.
A BIG IROKO HAS FALLEN – ASIWAJU TINUBU
I’m deeply saddened by the transition of our royal father, the revered Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
After ascending to the royal throne at the age of 31, Alaafin became one of the most influential, greatly respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Nigeria and indeed Africa and beyond.
Alaafin fostered harmony and brought prosperity and development to the ancient Oyo Kingdom. He was loved by his people.
Wisely ruling on the throne for 52 years, he became the longest reigning Alaafin that ever ruled Oyo Kingdom. With his transition, a big Iroko has fallen. His passing was an auspicious era in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, but also for the Yoruba and the entirety of the black race.
An elder-statesman and patriot, Alaafin Adeyemi was bold and courageous. He spoke truth to power. His interventions in national affairs helped the nation navigate difficult moments and helped usher a more just society.
He played vital roles in the struggle for democracy, working assiduously towards the establishment of our democracy.
In recognition of his important contributions to peace, religious harmony and stability in Nigeria, the nation gifted him the high honour of Commander of the Federal Republic.
Alaafin was also a strong pillar of the arts, culture and tradition. Kabiyesi took upon himself the task of promoting Nigerian arts and culture for which he received many ambassadorial awards in Nigeria and beyond.
I had an abiding personal relationship with Alaafin whom I deeply respected. Mentor, leader and father figure, I visited Kabiyesi in February his palace in Oyo to seek his prayers and blessings which he graciously gave, little did I know it was the last time we would see each other face to face.
I commiserate with his wonderful and loving family, particularly his wives and children. I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the chiefs and the people of Oyo kingdom. My condolences also to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State, and indeed the entire nation over the demise of this eminent traditional ruler. The black race has lost a titan who will be sorely missed.
I pray that his family, Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba race and indeed all Nigerians find consolation and strength in that we must now dedicate ourselves to live up to the ideals for which Alaafin stood.
May the soul of Alaafin Adeyemi rest in perfect peace.
SANWO-OLU MOURNS ALAAFIN, COMMISERATES WITH MAKINDE, OYO INDIGENES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on Friday at the age of 83.
He commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient town of Oyo and the entire Yoruba both home and in the diaspora over the demise of the first class traditional ruler.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, described the death of Oba Adeyemi III as a great loss to the people of Oyo town, the traditional institution in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said the late monarch’s service to the people of the ancient town, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially in the area of promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition will remain his enduring legacy.
The Governor also condoled with millions of Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora as the Alaafin of Oyo joined his ancestors.
He urged the family, friends and associates of the deceased as well as the entire people of Oyo Kingdom, whose interests the late Iku Baba Yeye represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime to work towards immortalising him and ensuring that the legacies of the late Alaafin of Oyo are sustained.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the Oyo State, especially sons and daughters of the ancient Oyo Kingdom over the death of one of the foremost and most respected traditional rulers in Nigeria, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday.
“The death of Oba Adeyemi is a great loss not only to the people of Oyo State but the entire Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora because of the unique position the Alaafin of Oyo holds as a descendant of Oduduwa. He will be greatly missed.
“He was one of the great promoters of Yoruba culture and tradition. He contributed immensely to the growth and development of Oyo Kingdom and improved the livelihood of the people of the town. As a first-class monarch, he left a lasting legacy that the people of Oyo ancient town will continue to cherish.
“I pray that Almighty God finds a peaceful resting place for the soul of the late Oba Adeyemi and grant the royal family, Yoruba land and the people of Oyo town the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
GOV. OKOWA MOURNS ALAAFIN OF OYO
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Saturday in Asaba, noted that the late octagenarian traditional ruler was an influential leader who was committed to the development of his kingdom and beyond.
According to Okowa, Adeyemi reportedly died on Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti after a brief illness, at 83.
He said the king led a good life during which his influence transcended his domain and indeed, Oyo state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo state, the immediate family of the Alaafin, the Oyo Mesi as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council over the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
“The late Oba’s 52 years reign making him the longest serving Alaafin, recorded remarkable peace and tremendous development in his domain.
“He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Oyo state,” Okowa said.
He urged the family of the deceased royal father, friends, associates and the people of Oyo to take solace in the fact that the Oba lived an exemplary life and was a great voice on national issues.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed Oba eternal rest.
FOLARIN, BALOGUN MOURN OBA ADEYEMI’S DEMISE
Sen. Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central) and Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South) have joined other Nigerians in mourning the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, who joined his ancestors on Friday.
They spoke in their separate condolence messages made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.
Folarin, in his message, said his relationship with the late Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, was that of a father and favourite son spanning 19 years.
He extolled the late Alaafin’s leadership dexterity, intelligence and remarkable characters, saying Adeyemi was the most articulate traditional ruler he had ever seen.
Folarin, also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content and the Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, said that the late Alaafin was a great asset to the black race.
According to him, Nigeria has lost a crusader for peace, stability and unity. Iku Baba Yeye’s demise is shocking and indeed a personal loss to me.
“By the death of Alaafin, Nigeria has lost a great father, patriot and nationalist whose contributions to the stability of Oyo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria, was enormous,’’ Folarin said.
He said the country owed the late Alaafin a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria, adding that he would be missed by all, in many respects.
“Baba departed when his wise counsel would have been needed to navigate through the nation’s trying times.
“He was a peacemaker and legendary king that reigned in two different centuries.
“Having served in many exalted capacities for 52 years, as Alaafin of Oyo, Nigeria owes him a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the socio-political and economic development.
“The iconic king was an undisputed symbol of Yoruba culture and unity.
“Baba will be remembered as an epitome of courage, patriotism, humane and true elder statesman with great contributions,’’ he said.
Folarin commiserated with Alaafin Royal families, the Oyo Mesi, Yoruba race, traditional rulers, the people of Oyo State, as well as sons and daughters of the ancient town of Oyo.
“The late Alaafin lived an exemplary life and left his prints in the sands of times, through his unwavering stance in the promotion of peace, unity and progress of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Also, Balogun described the demise of the late Alaafin as the passage of a key traditional icon in Yorubaland, saying the news of his passage was shocking and devastating.
The lawmaker, in a message, said with the demise of Alaafin, the Yoruba nation has lost a personae in its rich culture and tradition.
“The news of the passage of our referred traditional ruler, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was as shocking as it was devastating.
“It was shocking and devastating, because with his passage, we have lost five traditional rulers in the state within the last five months,’’ he said.
Balogun said the state had lost five traditional rulers, starting with late Soun of Ogbomoso, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Asigangan of Igangan, Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Alaafin of Oyo.
“The passage of kabiyesi, signalled the gradual, but steady erosion of Yoruba culture and tradition.
“He was an iconic traditional ruler, who promoted our rich cultural heritage to the last.
“The late Oba Adeyemi III was an epitome of our tradition. He was a beacon of hope in an era when we are almost losing our values.
“Indeed, he was a bridge to our rich past. His passage is, indeed, one of the greatest royal losses in recent history of Oyo State,’’ the senator said.
Balogun commiserated with the state government, traditional institution, good people of Oyo State and the late Alaafin family over the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of myself, my wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun and the entire people of Oyo South Senatorial District, I want to commiserate with the Alaafin family over the irreparable loss.
“I also commiserate with the traditional institution, people of Oyo Kingdom, the government and people of Oyo State. May God grant our kabiyesi peaceful rest,” he said.
BUHARI MOURNS
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, aged 83 years, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country.
The president, in a condolence message by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja, noted that Oba Adeyemi’s reign witnessed transformations in his domain.
He affirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s 52 years rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity.
He particularly lauded the late traditional ruler for promoting values of peace and stability.
President Buhari equally noted the late traditional ruler participated in numerous national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, including living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
The president shared the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, particularly in sports where he left another footprint.
He prayed that the Almighty God would receive his soul.
END OF REMARKABLE, GLORIOUS ERA- OLUBADAN
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, says the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, is the end of a remarkable and glorious era.
Balogun made the assertions in a statement he personally signed on Saturday in Ibadan, following the announcement of the death of the great oba.
The Olubadan, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the Oyo traditional ruler, recalled that he met the late Adeyemi at his coronation/installation in March.
He described the late traditional ruler as “a royal father per excellence, who projected Yoruba culture and civilisation with awe and dignity”.
According to him, with his exit, Yoruba has lost a rare gem.
“A highly scholarly, pragmatic and dynamic monarch with undiluted love for his race and people, Alaafin would be sorely missed by humanity for his contributions which would continue to speak for him eternally.
“Together with the late Alaafin, we have been friends for a very long time. So, his death is a personal loss to me and very painful too that he won’t be around now that I have become Olubadan to share from his rich experience.
“Death is an inevitable end of mankind and it will come at Allah’s appointed time for every individual. We take solace in the good works the Almighty Allah used the late Alaafin to do for humanity and the good name being left behind.
“I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, the Oyoland and the immediate and extended families of our highly reverred Alaafin with supplication to the Almighty Allah to accept him to His kingdom and grant all the fortitude to bear the loss,” Olubadan said.
EMIR OF ILORIN EULOGISES DEPARTED ALAAFIN OYO
The passing on of the Alaafin Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, is the end of an era, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, declared on Saturday.
Emir Sulu-Gambari said in Ilorin that Oba Adeyemi’s departure was also a colossal loss to traditional institutions in the nation.
He noted that Oba Adeyemi’s reign witnessed tremendous display of royalty, excellence, peace, and harmony among inhabitants of the ancient town of Oyo, and Oyo State in general.
“Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s death marks the end of another era; the world will surely miss the exit of a bridge-builder.
“The late Oba Adeyemi III used his long reign and old age to foster unity among the Yoruba race,’’ the emir’s spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, quoted him as saying.
The emir also commiserated with the immediate and extended families of the late paramount ruler, the Oyomesi-in-Council, government, and the good people of Oyo State over the exit of a “titan’’.
“The emir prayed to God to comfort his loved ones and give the entire people of Oyo the fortitude to bear the great loss,’’ Emir Sulu-Gambari was also quoted to have said.