…. A Big Iroko Has fallen – Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is deeply saddened by the transition of the revered Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
He recalls that after ascending to the royal throne at the age of 31, Alaafin became one of the most influential, greatly respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Nigeria and indeed Africa and beyond.
“Alaafin fostered harmony and brought prosperity and development to the ancient Oyo Kingdom. He was loved by his people.
“I had an abiding personal relationship with Alaafin whom I deeply respected. Mentor, leader and father figure, I visited Kabiyesi in February his palace in Oyo to seek his prayers and blessings which he graciously gave, little did I know it was the last time we would see each other face to face.
“I commiserate with his wonderful and loving family, particularly his wives and children. I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the chiefs and the people of Oyo kingdom. My condolences also to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State, and indeed the entire nation over the demise of this eminent traditional ruler. The black race has lost a titan who will be sorely missed.” Tinubu says.
…. He was a worthy ambassador of Yoruba culture – Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the news of the passing away of Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, saying it was a great loss for Nigeria and Africa culture at large.
Atiku, in a press release by his media office on Saturday, 23 April, 2022 said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a worthy ambassador of Yoruba culture and royal elegance.
The former Vice President recalled that his last encounter with Oba Adeyemi was in Ibadan during the coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
“I admired the royal splendour of Oba Adeyemi and the fact that he remains the longest serving Alaafin means that Oyo and indeed Nigerians will not forget his reign,” the Waziri of Adamawa said.
… Gbajabiamila saddened
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described the passing away of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, as a sad development that touched him personally.
Gbajabiamila said the death of the paramount Yoruba ruler came to him as a rude shock, describing the late Alaafin, who had been like a father to him, as a very intelligent father with a sound grasp of traditional, social, political and international history.
According to him, Oba Adeyemi was a man of peace whose five decades of quality leadership to his people endeared him to the masses.
Speaker Gbajabiamila, who was recently appointed the Aare Baasofin of Yoruba Land by the late Alaafin, said the death of the traditional ruler has created a void too difficult to fill.
