Oyo state awoke to the news of the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III. After 52 years of ruling, making him the longest-ruling monarch in the history of the Oyo empire. The Alaafin passed at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital in the late hours of Friday, 22 April 2022.
Alaafin Oba Lamidi was born on Oct 15, 1938. He mounted the stool of his father’s on November 18, 1970, and ruled for 52 years.
The Pendulum’s News correspondence, Abd’Rahaman Afolabi, reports that the burial rites have since commenced on the dead. From the Islamic rites to the traditional Sango worshippers. According to the Islamic rites in which the late king is one, an Islamic prayer called Solatul Janazah has been performed on the deceased.
In this type of prayer, the body, wrapped in a white cloth is laid down by its right side facing the qibla( a position where Muslims face while observing prayers); then the Imam led the congregation in normal prayers as he recited silently while the expression Allahu Akbar was said 4 times at intervals.
By dictate of tradition, the head of the Oyo Mesi, High Chief. Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, will upon official announcement of the Alaafin’s demise, take the position of a regent to the Alaafin’s throne till a new Alaafin is appointed in Oba Lamidi’s stead.
The Oyo monarchy is bestowed with a long, wealthy pedigree and with a history of successive monarchs, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi being the most recent. The first, Oranyan, a son to Oduduwa, the father of Yorubas, ruled in the 1300s. However, Oba Lamidi’s 52-year rule remains the longest to date, second only to Alaafin Kori, who reigned for 50 years around the 1400s.
The Alaafin is the foremost monarch in the entire southwest region of Nigeria and is highly respected among the Yorubas. Before his death, he was known to be a comedian, a certified boxer, and an athlete. His media personnel, Bode Durojaye has described him as a great man, a king who loves growth and development in Oyo and he was a lover of education. His relevance is felt in four universities in Nigeria before his demise. Uthman Dan Fodion university, Sokoto, Cresent University, Abeokuta amongst others. Durojaye concluded by saying that he was loved by many, close to his people, a dancer, and a fashionista who was greatly emulated by other kings.
Babatimileyin Asiwaju also reported that the death of the Alaafin has received multiple reactions from both the great and small in the Oyo environs. Encomia and dirges have since been poured on the deceased since his passing with Are Gani Adams,( Are Ona Kakanfo) referring to his death as being personal to him. The culture ambassador, Mrs Tiago has described him as a great man, a father, and a mentor with whom she had a good relationship as she worked with him on the preservation of heritage and culture.
At the time of his death, his remains were received by his first son, Prince Tunde. Payment of his last respects was said to commence by 4:00 pm today. However, there has been a change in the time as the body is to be laid to rest by 9:00 pm, while curfew starts by 7:00 pm.
Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III died at age 83 and is survived by 13 wives, over 20 children, and grandchildren.
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