Businessman and Chairman, Oyo-Si-Maa-Dun Foundation, Mr. Abisoye Fagade, has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, as a star whose demise portends a great loss not only to Yorubaland or Nigeria but the entire African continent.
The late monarch of Oyo kingdom reportedly joined his ancestors on Friday at an Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti at the age of 83 years. He was crowned the paramount ruler of the ancient town of Oyo in 1970 and his 52 years reign has been rated the longest.
Fagade, in a condolence message contained in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Comrade Kehinde Idowu, lamented the passing of the First Class monarch “whose transition to the great beyond was not expected now or any time soon.
“Oba Adeyemi was a pride to all Yoruba in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Brazil, Cuba and elsewhere across the globe. He proved his mettle as a worthy custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition as he was able to convince everyone who cared that he was an Institution on his own. The late Alaafin successfully reinvented the cultural heritage of his forebears and thus afforded many generations the opportunity to acquaint themselves the required knowledge.
“An average Yoruba son or daughter would have wished that Oba Adeyemi lived longer than he did but he had to leave the stage at his appointed time. We find solace in the fact that he lived a good life and did well as a father to all and also a traditional ruler in Africa. Therefore, we shall sorely miss Kabiyesi Adeyemi (Alaafin Oyo).
“While praying God to grant the late Monarch eternal rest, we beseech His to give the entire Adeyemi family as well as the good people of Oyo Alaafin and entire Africa the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Fagade concluded.
