Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, joined his ancestors at the age of 83.
The sad event that has rocked the entire Yoruba land happened in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, according to palace officials.
The Alaafin’s Wives and Children have confirmed receipt of the monarch’s remains at Idi-Igba, Oyo town early Saturday morningfor the commencement of traditional rites pending further burial arrangements.
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.
According to Oyo tradition, the head of the Oyomesi, Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, would take over pending the “Ifa” selection of a new Alaafin.
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was born into the Adeyemi branch of the Alowolodu family on October 15, 1938, to Oba Adeyemi II, the former Alaafin of Oyo who was deposed and sent into exile in 1954 for having sympathy for the National Council of Nigerian Citizens NCNC.
He succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II in 1970 and was crowned on January 14, 1971. He was a renowned lover of Boxing.
