Ladoja, Ajimobi, Akande-Sadipe mourn Alaafin’s death

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Alaafin died on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti.

Ladoja, in a statement on Saturday, described the death of Oba Adeyemi as the loss of a father figure and a counsellor to Oyo State in general.

“There is no doubt that Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lived a long and fulfilled life, having been on the throne of his fathers for 52 years as Alaafin of Oyo.

“IKU BABA YEYE was an astute custodian of culture and tradition that cannot be easily forgotten.

“This quality was evident in practically all areas of his life, especially in the practice and sustainability of our Yoruba core cultural values and ethics,’’ she said.

The former governor’s wife and Agba-Akin Iyalode of Ibadanland said that the late Alaafin was rooted in Yoruba historical knowledge with a flair for research and development.

Ladoja said that Oba Adeyemi lived a caring family life by relating across generational divides within and outside his domain.

“His love for sporting activities also brought him close to so many social circles and remained very relevant till his departure from mother earth.

“Baba so much believed in airing his thoughts and believes no matter whose ox is gored. His quality as a public commentator and well of knowledge shall be greatly missed.

“I hereby wished Kabiyesi Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ALAAFIN the III perfect rest in peace and pray that God will continue to support his family,’’ she said.

Ajimobi, in her statement, described the life and times of the legendary Oba Adeyemi as a glorious era in the history of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.

The former governor’s wife, in the statement signed by Mr Bolaji Tunji, the former Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, said the news came as a shock considering its suddenness.

“It is with a deep sense of loss that I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the entire people of Oyo town, our State and the Country over the exit of Baba, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

“Though the Alaafin died at a ripe old age of 83 years, having spent 52 glorious years on the throne of his forefathers, his passage still came as a shock due to its unexpectedness,’’ she said.

She expressed pain over the sudden exit of Oba Adeyemi, saying he shared a special relationship with her late husband, Biola and contributed immensely to the success of his administration.

“Indeed, the passage of this legendary King marks the end of another glorious era in monarchical institution in Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa, Americas, Carribean.

“And other places where the Alaafin had taken the ‘gospel’ of the uniqueness of the Yoruba race. In his lifetime Alaafin was the repository of the Yoruba history, culture and tradition.

“He promoted these in deeds, action and words. He was regal.  He was noble in the real meaning of that word,’’ she said.

Ajimobi said that the late Alaafin’s reign witnessed tremendous progress in the ancient town of Oyo leading to peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the people.

“His death is a major loss to the people of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria. His sage and wise counsel would be missed by all and sundry.

“As we mourn the passage of this unparalleled bridge -builder, let us take consolation in the words of former American President, Abraham Lincoln, “In the end it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years”.

“Baba packed tremendous, impactful activities in his years and these have left indelible marks that will continue to live long after him. I share in the grief of the Oyomesi, Oyo people, Oyo State and Nigeria,’’ she said.

She expressed her heart-felt condolences to the children and other traditional rulers who would continue to miss the Alaafin, praying that Almighty God comfort all those left behind by his transition.

Similarly, Akande-Sadipe in her message, said that the Yoruba race had lost an encyclopedia of culture in the death of Oba Adeyemi.

She  paid glowing tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

Akande-Sadipe, in her tribute described the late monarch as one of the most reverred royal fathers, who had a vast knowledge of Yoruba culture and history.

She said the monarch, who was the longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo, had paid his dues and impacted lives, within and outside his kingdom.