Oyo Forum Abuja has commiserated with all Oyo indigenes both home and abroad on the passing of our Royal Father, the paramount custodian of Yoruba culture and history – Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who has gone to join his ancestors, at 83.
Oyo Forum Abuja, a society for Oyo professionals resident in the Federal Capital Territory expressed shock over the death of the paramount Yoruba ruler, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
In a statement released in Abuja by the chairman of the forum, Dr. K.A Mustapha, he expressed sadness over what he regarded as a big loss to not just Oyo sons and daughters but also to the entire Yorubaland and indeed the country.
The statement reads, “The news came as a shock in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State in South-West Nigeria, where the king had undergone medical treatments until God said, it was over.
“Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who succeeded Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, was crowned on 18th November, 1970 and maintained the royal seat of his forefathers for 52 years. He was known as the longest reigning Alaafin in the history of Oyo land.
“Kabiesi lived a worthwhile life and his reign was highly remarkable; this is evident in the unparalleled peace, unity and development Oyo town enjoyed during his kingship.
“The late oba Adéyemí is a first class monarch who was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the history and tradition of Yoruba. During his over 50 years of rule in the kingdom, he was instrumental to a lot of transformation in the town.”
According to the chairman, the late Alaafin was a true and total reflection of Royalty in every sense. He epitomized the culture of Yoruba.
The forum urged the entire family of the monarch, the Oyo Mesi, the chiefs in council, and the entire sons and daughters of Oyo land to take solace in the joy that Iku Baba Yeye has gone to rest peacefully with his ancestors.
“May Almighty God rest his soul, uphold the land and comfort the generality of Oyo indigenes,” the statement added.
