*Yoruba race, Oyo have lost a great ruler, a worthy father – Makinde
WorldStage Newsonline– Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, declared that the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, is a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race.
The governor, who described Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, noted that he was an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.
The statement indicated that the governor expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed monarch.
The governor, who stated that apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it has also lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi III had become by virtue of his high-octane understanding of Yoruba history, politics and national development.
Makinde said: “I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
“I express heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which Oba Adeyemi chaired for decades, the Oyomesi and the entire people of Oyo Kingdom.
“I equally commiserate with the Oloris, children and entire Adeyemi family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father.
“Kabiyesi’s departure is a huge loss not only to Oyo State, to which he committed 52 years of his life as the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, but also to Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race.
“Oba Adeyemi was our last man standing in the rank of most eminent royal fathers with long years of leadership.
“He became a golden king, an institution and an authority rolled into one by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.
“Oba Adeyemi not only elevated the Alaafin throne with his knowledge and wisdom, he became a worthy exemplar for royal leadership in Africa and brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria. Kabiyesi never spared anything in his strive to make Oyo State greater and to bring about the Nigeria of everyone’s collective dream.
“Personally, Kabiyesi’s death is a great loss to me, because he proved to be a worthy father and had been ever so supportive of our government.
“His words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.
“It is my prayer that God accepts Kabiyesi’s soul into Aljanah Firdaus and uphold everyone and everything he left behind.
“Good night, Iku Baba Yeye!”
ABRIDGE BUILDER, COURAGEOUS LEADER – FAYEMI
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has a bridge builder, patriot and courageous leader who contributed to Nigeria’s unity during his lifetime.
Fayemi made the assertions in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.
He said the departure of the revered traditional ruler had created a big vacuum in the traditional institution in Oyo State, in particular and Yorubaland in general.
According to him, the late Oba Adeyemi was an authority in history and blessed with a sharp memory which added value and class to his royal duties and day-to-day interaction with people from different walks of life.
Fayemi, also the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, described the deceased as a distinguished first class Oba, who brought dignity, respect and glamour to the traditional institution and made it relevant in the quest for a better society.
He said the late royal father operated an open door policy and always made his wise counsel available to political leaders, irrespective of their party affiliations.
Fayemi while describing the late traditional ruler as a man of many parts, said he never disappointed in the performance of his royal duties and other roles he was privileged to have played, which spanned sectors like administration, politics, education, religious, sports, among others.
He said that Oba Adeyemi earned much respect and accolade for his ability to speak the truth to those in power, without playing to the gallery.
The governor further credited the departed Oba with defending the culture and traditions of the Yoruba race, which he did with panache and passion throughout his reign.
Commiserating with the family, friends and associates of the late oba, Fayemi urged them to be consoled by the good legacies Adeyemi III left behind and the positive impact he made in his lifetime.
“We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
ALAAFIN’S DEMISE SAD – YORUBA YOUTHS
The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths has described as sad, the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday at age 83.
The President-General of the group, Mr Bamiji Awa, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said the death of the first-class paramount ruler was a rude shock to the youths.
“It is so sad to lose this top Yoruba Oba at this crucial period when his wisdom and counsels are most needed,” Awa said.
According to him, the late Alaafin was naturally supposed to be the royal host of the group’s proposed Yoruba Presidential Aspirants’ meeting under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said the meeting was targeted at promoting love and unity before the May 30 Presidential Primaries of the ruling party.
END OF AN ERA IN YORUBALAND – OYINLOLA
A former governor of Osun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the transition of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as the end of an era in Yorubaland.
Oyinlola, in a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, described the late Oba Adeyemi as a true son of Oduduwa, who lived his entire life to extend the frontiers of Yoruba culture and interest within the country.
He said the late Alaafin embodied the very best in institutional Obaship comportment, decency and brilliance.
Oyinlola, who described the late traditional ruler as a father, recalled the tremendous support the Alaafin gave him while he was the governor of the state, as well as during his years in Lagos as military administrator.
He said the transition of the traditional ruler was a personal loss and a huge set back for the progressive movement in Yorubaland and in Nigeria.
While extending his condolence to the government and people of Oyo state, Oyinlola prayed God to grant the departed eternal peace and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss
LADOJA, AJIMOBI, AKANDE-SADIPE MOURN
Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi and Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe have joined other Nigerians in mourning the passage of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.
Ladoja, in a statement on Saturday, described the death of Oba Adeyemi as the loss of a father figure and a counselor to Oyo State in general.
“There is no doubt that Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lived a long and fulfilled life having being on the throne of his fathers for 52 years as Alaafin of Oyo.
“IKU BABA YEYE was an astute custodian of culture and tradition that cannot be easily forgotten.
“This quality was evident in practically all areas of his life, most especially in the practice and sustainability of our Yoruba core cultural values and ethics,’’ she said.
The former governor’s wife and Agba-Akin Iyalode of Ibadanland, said that the late Alaafin was deeply rooted in Yoruba historical knowledge with flare for research and development.
Ladoja said that Oba Adeyemi lived a caring family life by relating across generational divide within and outside his domain.
“His love for sporting activities also brought him close to so many social circles and remained very relevant till his departure from mother earth.
“Baba so much believed in airing his thoughts and believes no matter whose ox is gored. His quality as a public commentator and well of knowledge shall be greatly missed.
“I hereby wished Kabiyesi Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ALAAFIN the III perfect rest in peace and pray that God will continue to support his family,’’ she said.
Ajimobi in her statement described the life and times of the legendary Oba Adeyemi as a glorious era in the history of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.
The former governor’s wife in the statement signed by Mr Bolaji Tunji, the former Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, said the news came as a shock considering its suddenness.
“It is with a deep sense of loss that I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the entire people of Oyo town, our State and the Country over the exit of Baba, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
“Though the Alaafin died at a ripe old age of 83 years, having spent 52 glorious years on the throne of his forefathers, his passage still came as a shock due to its unexpectedness,’’ she said.
She expressed pain over the sudden exit of Oba Adeyemi, saying he shared a special relationship with her late husband, Biola and contributed immensely to the success of his administration.
“Indeed, the passage of this legendary King marks the end of another glorious era in monarchical institution in Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa, Americas, Carribean.
“And other places where the Alaafin had taken the ‘gospel’ of the uniqueness of the Yoruba race. In his lifetime Alaafin was the repository of the Yoruba history, culture and tradition.
“He promoted these in deeds, action and words. He was regal. He was noble in the real meaning of that word,’’ she said.
Ajimobi said that the late Alaafin’s reign witnessed tremendous progress in the ancient town of Oyo leading to peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the people.
“His death is a major loss to the people of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria. His sage and wise counsel would be missed by all and sundry.
“As we mourn the passage of this unparalleled bridge -builder, let us take consolation in the words of former American President, Abraham Lincoln, “In the end it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years”.
“Baba packed tremendous, impactful activities in his years and these have left indelible marks that will continue to live long after him. I share in the grief of the Oyomesi, Oyo people, Oyo State and Nigeria,’’ she said.
She expressed her heart-felt condolences to the children and other traditional rulers who would continue to miss the Alaafin, praying that Almighty God comfort all those left behind by his transition.
Similarly, Akande-Sadipe in her message, said that the Yoruba race had lost an encyclopedia of culture in the death of Oba Adeyemi.
She paid glowing tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
Akande-Sadipe, in her tribute described the late monarch as one of the most reverred royal fathers, who had a vast knowledge of Yoruba culture and history.
She said the monarch, who was the longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo, had paid his dues and impacted lives, within and outside his kingdom.
“Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was one of the most revered Royal Fathers in Africa and the longest-reigning Alaafin of Oyo, whose life and time was very impactful”, she said.
She described the news of his demise as a rude shock, adding that she is eternally grateful that she was one of the privileged ones to have witnessed his reign
Akande-Sadipe, the Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, said that the late traditional ruler contributed meaningfully to the socio-cultural development and economic growth of Oyo State.
She commiserated with her colleague, Akeem Adeyemi, Oloris, princes, princesses, Oyomesi, Oyo people, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs as well as Yoruba traditional rulers.
Akande-Sadipe wished him Aljana Firdaus, praying that Almighty God guards him in his journey to eternity
UNIMAID MOURNS
Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri has described the demise of its Pro-Chancellor, Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a painful exit.
Shugaba said this in a statement released in Maiduguri on Saturday.
He said Oba Adeyemi has demonstrated unparalleled passion, and commitment to the development of education in Nigeria in general, and the University of Maiduguri where he served as Pro-Chancellor.
The VC said the late Alaafin would specifically be remembered for his sterling leadership, sustained fatherly guidance, support and understanding of peaceful coexistence and progress of the university.
“As the university community mourns his painful exit, may I, on behalf of the Council, Senate, top Management Committee, staff, and students of the University, extend our condolences to the Visitor, President, Muhammadu Buhari, Government of Oyo State, members of his immediate family and the entire Oyo Kingdom.
“We pray to Allah to grant him Jannatul-Firdaus Ameen,” Shugaba said.
ALAAFIN, AN ICONIC MONARCH – OONI
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a loss to the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
This is contained in a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, made available to newsmen on Saturday.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, stated that the late Alaafin was a worthy elder whose entire life was dedicated to the promotion of the prestigious Yoruba culture and advancement of humanity.
“We have lost a great icon, a great monarch, who saw Oyo through civilization, and modern development without jettisoning the cultural sacredness of the throne first occupied by Alaafin Oranmiyan The Great.
“Ile Oodua Palace and the Ooni had a great working relationship with the late Alaafin who gave his best in resolving major conflicts in Yoruba land and uniting all sons and daughters of Oduduwa globally among other landmark achievements.
“The late Alaafin is one of the privileged elders that contributed to the growth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also saw the country through military and democratic eras with unquantifiable positive inputs,” he said.
Ooni Ogunwusi recalled his last encounter with the late Oyo Royal Father early last month when they both held a closed door meeting of peace and reconciliation with some frontline politicians of Yoruba origin at Ibadan.
According to him, Alaafin made a promise to make his first visit to the Ooni before the middle of the year.
Ooni prayed for the soul of the late Alaafin as well as the family to have the fortitude to bear his death.
He also prayed that Oyo would be spiritually guided to complete the burial of the Royal Father in full accordance with the culture and traditions of their ancestors.
“While the demise of Oba Adeyemi would be greatly missed for his indelible imprint as a great descendant of Oduduwa, the Ooni hereby urges the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide to continue to pray for the deceased’s family and Oyo indigenes at this trying time.
“May the Almighty Olodumare also be with the Oyomesi at this critical time that may challenge the culture and traditions of their ancestors in the process of burial rites and the process of selecting the next Alaafin.
“The position of Alaafin is too culturally important to be handled in a way that undermines our collective traditions and culture.
“God shall solidly stand with the Oyomesi and the entire Oyo kingdom,” the statement said.
NEWS SOUNDED LIKE THUNDERSTORM– AARE ONAKAKANFO
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has described the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a national tragedy as well as a personal and colossal loss.
The Aare Onakakanfo, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said that the news of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm.
Adams, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, noted that the foremost Yoruba monarch lived a worthy life all through his reign.
“It is a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.
“The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.
“Baba’s 52-year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.
“In his 52-year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution,” the Aare said.
According to him, Nigeria, Yoruba nation and the ancient town of Oyo has loss a great monarch whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarch.
“I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss.
“I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.
“Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy. It is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country,” he added.
He said that the Yoruba had loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.
Adams said: “A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry. There is no way I can figure out this collosal loss.
“Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race. He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race. Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.
“No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo, but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.”
He said that the late Alaafin occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles and with much honour, reverence and candour that gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Adams said that Alaafin showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.
The Aare said that he was at the palace of Alaafin in March when Kabiyesi led the chief to Bishop Ladigbolu’s function in Oyo, saying “Alaafin was hail and hearty”.
Adams said that the late Alaafin brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic,even in the area of education, sports and a cultural development.
The Aare, who noted that the late Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life, described him as a symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage,
“We will sorely miss his wise counsel.We will miss his voice and resoluteness.We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.
We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength.We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues.
“We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause.We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all,we will miss his whole being,” he added.
The Aare commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Oyo Mesi, the family of Alaafin and the people of the state.
AMOSUN, ALLI, AKINTOLA EXTOL LATE OBA VIRTUES
Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (APC-Ogun Central); Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, former Secretary to Oyo State Government and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, have extolled the virtues of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo.
They spoke in their separate condolences made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.
In his remarks, Amosun described late Oba Adeyemi as “a human library with remarkable knowledge of the history of Yorubaland and Nigeria”.
The former Governor of Ogun said Oba Adeyemi’s death was a personal loss to him, adding that he was his counsellor and adviser.
According to him, I have lost a counsellor and adviser whose wisdom and courage are not in surplus supply in this clime.
He said: “The exit of Oba Adeyemi III is a great loss to all of us in Yorubaland and indeed, the whole of Nigeria.
“Oba Adeyemi was a symbol and custodian of the rich culture and traditions of the Yoruba traditional institution as well as a source of inspiration for the entire Yorubaland.
“Kabiyesi was a cherished leader and respected Elderstatesman, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment toward unity, cohesion, harmony and continued development of Oyo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“It is on record that Oba Adeyemi’s 52 years reign as the Alaafin of Oyo brought about all-around development to the Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.’’
Amosun, also described the late paramount traditional ruler as a detribalised oba, who epitomised and championed peaceful co-existence, as well as unity of the people.
The senator commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State on the passage of Kabiyesi, saying that Oba Adeyemi left a huge shoe that would be difficult to fill.
“It is my prayer that Almighty Allah (SWT) grant our Kabiyesi Aljannah Firdaus. May He grant his family, the people, as well as Yorubaland, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Alli described the late Oba Adeyemi as “Yoruba history encyclopaedia and custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, said he received the death of the traditional ruler with rude shock
Alli, who is also the Maye Balogun of Ibadanland, said that the death of Alaafin came at a time the state needed his wealth of experience to reshape the political and economic activities in the state.
He condoled with the family of Alaafin, the entire people of Oyo town as well as Yoruba descendants in Nigeria and abroad.
In his condolence, Akintola, another APC governorship aspirant, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a father to him, describing his death as a loss to him, Oyo State and Nigeria.
He described the late Alaafin as “an enigma and traditional ruler of immense value and a great man.
“If you want to know much of Yorubaland, just engage him for few minutes and you will be fulfilled with what you get.
“The late Alaafin brought tremendous development to Oyo Town.
“Under him, Oyo has three universities and the town expanded beyond what he met on ascension of the throne,’’ he said
ATIKU MOURNS
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a great loss for Nigeria and Africa at large.
Abubakar in a statement by his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday in Abuja, 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 during the coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan.
“I admired the royal splendour of Oba Adeyemi and the fact that he remained the longest serving Alaafin means that Oyo and indeed Nigerians will not forget his reign,” he said.
Abubakar, who said that he was deeply touched by the news of Oba Adeyemi’s demise, commisserates with his immediate family, Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of Oyo State.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late king a gentle repose and to give his immediate family and the people of Oyo Kingdom the fortitude to bear the loss.
OBASEKI MOURNS
Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has mourned the passing of an illustrious leader of the Yoruba race, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Astatement by the governor described the late Alaafin of Oyo as a great ruler, who displayed kindness and compassion to his people, espousing the virtues of hard work, diligence, and love for humanity.
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of a revered royal father, and an illustrious leader of the Yoruba race, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
“Brave and cheerful, Oba Adeyemi embodied the ideals of the Yoruba nation, promoting the rich culture and heritage of the Yorubas, and providing wise counsel to those who sought guidance from the throne.
“During his over 50-year spell on the throne, Oyo witnessed numerous transformations and transitions, but he remained true to his heritage and harped on the need for brotherly love and conscientious living.
“He will be remembered for his kind nature, conviviality, wisdom, and love for humanity and living,” he said.
Obaseki commiserated with the government and people of Oyo state, the Oyo Kingdom, family, friends, associates, and well-wishers, and prayed that God would l grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
