Top Yoruba monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III has passed on at the age of 83 years old. According to palace officials, Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday at Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The monarch’s body was received at Idi-Igba, Oyo town early Saturday morning and traditional rites have commenced.
A source said the late monarch was sick and was planning to travel abroad for treatment before his demise.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938, into the Alowolodu Royal House of Oyo town and crowned on January 14, 1971, after succeeding Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, who was from the Agunloye Royal House.
The late king was fondly called Iku baba yeye and was the longest-reigning Alaafin, having ruled for 52 years.
He was the chancellor of Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto from 1980 to 1992 and General Ibrahim Babangida appointed him Amir-ul-Hajj in 1990 in recognition of his commitment to the consolidation of Islam in Nigeria.
During his reign, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He was married to 13 wives and had more than 20 children and several grandchildren.
His death comes months after two other senior Oyo State monarchs passed away- the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi.
According to reports, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next monarch but the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, would be in charge before a new Alaafin is installed.