By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, is dead, The DEFENDER can authoritatively report.
The Alaafin Royal Ambassador, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin, confirmed the death of the Iku Baba Yeye to this online newspaper via telephone interview Saturday morning.
Another palace source reportedly said the top Yoruba monarch died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
His remains were said to have been moved to Oyo town in the early hours of Saturday and were received at Idi-Igba by his first son, Prince Tunde Adeyemi, assisted by his siblings.
Alaafin Adeyemi, who was 83 years old and the third from Alowodu Ruling House, ruled for 52 years.
The monarch had been sick and plan been made to fly him abroad before he passed on Friday night.
A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.
His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi – died. All happened in less than five months.
Palace sources confirmed that traditional rites had begun without giving details about his burial arrangement yet.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s demise from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.
