The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has died at the age of 83.
His death came after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi died. All happened in less than five months.
Oba Adeyemi, one of Africa’s most revered royal fathers and custodian of Yoruba culture, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, after a brief illness.
Meanwhile, a plan had been made to fly the monarch abroad before he passed on late Friday night.
The foremost monarch remains arrived Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, in the palace.
Oba Adeyemi is the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo before a new Alaafin is installed.
