The chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin yesterday visited the palace of late Oba Lamidi.
He was led into the palace by Engr. Idris Adeoye, Hon. Abiodun Adeyemo and other top chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the ancient town.
They were later received by the Oyomesi and princes and princesses Tunde, Akeem, Taibah and others.
This was shortly after, in a statement, he mourned the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Adeyemi III, saying the monarch was like a father to him.
In a personal tribute to the highly revered late Nigeria monarch, the former senate leader said that his relationship with the late permanent chairman of council of Obas and Chiefs was of a father and his favourite son spanning 19 years.
According to him, Nigeria had lost a crusader for peace, stability and unity.
The Ayingun Olubadan extolled the late Alaafin’s leadership dexterity, intelligence and remarkable characters, adding that the late Yoruba monarch was the most articulate monarch he had ever seen, and also a great asset to the black race who will be missed by all in many respects.
“Iku Baba Yeye’s demise is shocking and indeed a personal loss to me. By the death of the Alaafin, Nigeria has lost a great father, patriot and nationalist whose contributions to the stability of Oyo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria was enormous.
“Baba departed at a time when his wise counsel would have been needed to navigate through the nation’s trying times. He was not only a peacemaker but also a legendary king that reigned in two different centuries.
“Having served in many exalted capacities during his almost 52 years reign as Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Nigeria owes him a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the country.
“The iconic king was an undisputed symbol of Yoruba culture and unity. Baba will be remembered as an epitome of courage, a patriotic, humane, and upright leader and true elder statesman, who gave his very best to his fatherland.”
“I commiserate with the Alaafin royal families, the Oyo Mesi, the Yoruba race and her traditional rulers, the people of Oyo State as well as sons and daughters of the ancient town of Oyo. Let’s take solace in the fact that the late Alaafin led 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.
