By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has reacted to the death by the midnight Friday April 22, 2022 of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
Alhaji Sa’idu Maccido, Danburam Sokoto and Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, made this known in a state dated Saturday April 23, 2022 and copy of which was obtained by The DEFENDER.
According to the statement, the Nigeria’s most prominent monarch made the reaction when, upon his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he had travelled for Umrah, the Lesser Hajj, on Saturday he got the sad news that one of two Yoruba’s most powerful kings was dead.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), described the late Yoruba monarch as personal friend that he will miss forever even as he submitted the sad event of his death could not have been better put than to be called a rude shock.
The Sultan, who arrived Nigeria via Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano, called the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Saturday afternoon, to pay his quick condolence ahead of a statement detailing his feelings about the death of the Alaafin.
“I just got back from Saudi Arabia when I heard about the demise of the fine monarch, even in Kano. I have talked to the governor in condolence to the family, the governor, and the people of Oyo State over the demise of the excellent monarch. His reign was remarkable. We would remember him for his contributions, especially when he was here as Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto. Also we will remember him as a personal friend,” the Sultan said.
The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who along with the Ooni of Ife are believed to be the two most powerful Yoruba Kings, had been Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, between 1980 and 1992 before he was appointed the Amir-ul-Hajj by the then former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in 1990 and, 25 years after precisely on May 1, 2015, he was appointed by the administration of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, and on July 8, 2021 was reappointed as Chancellor of the same university and had been chancellor of University of Maiduguri till death late Friday April 22, 2022.
In his acknowledgement of his appointment as Chancellor of University of Maiduguri in 2015, Alaafin Adeyemi had said noted that university administration was not something new to him as, according to him, he had been the founding Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto and had used his vast experience in Sokoto in ensuring that the University of Maidiguri gains.
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ascended the throne on November 18, 1970 having succeeded the then late Alaafin of Oyo Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu, and had ruled the Oyo Empire with his remarkable leadership versatility until he bade the world bye midnight Friday night of April 22, 2022.
