The Alaafin of Oyoland, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has been reported to have passed on at the age of 83 years, ending over 50 years of his reign in the kingdom.
As gathered, the monarch was pronounced dead by medical experts at Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he had gone for a medical checkup, but could not return home.
Alaafin’s Media and Publicity Director, Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the development to newsmen on Saturday and that the palace was currently mourning him.
Durojaiye said: “It is true. Alaafin has joined his ancestors. I saw his remains laid down in the palace. The palace is mourning now. I can confirm that to you. There are many people that have stormed the palace at Oke-Afin in Oyo town. I am there right now. I will give details later through a press statement.”
The palace spokesperson disclosed that the burial rites would be determined by the body of kingmakers, known as Oyemesi, and that their decision would be communicated appropriately to the public.
Alaafin’s death came 15 weeks after the demise of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, joined his ancestors on January 2, 2022 and barely six months before Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade, transition.
Sources also said the remains of Oba Adeyemi III, had been moved from Ado-Ekiti to Oyo town in the early hours of today April 23, for preparation for burial, as a traditional ruler and as a Muslim.
The Basorun of Oyo, who is the head of the kingmakers in the town, known as Oyomesi, Yusuf Ayoola, according to the available information, is expected to take over the traditional rulership of the town, till the time that a substantive Alaafin would be appointed.
It would be recalled that the deceased monarch was born on October 15, 1938, into the Alowolodu Royal House, and as a member of the House of Oranmiyan to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, who was born 1871, and later became Alaafin in 1945, and Ibironke of Epo-Gingin, who died when he was young.
Alaafin, a lover of boxing, was a boxer before ascending the throne of his forefathers, succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II in 1970, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, on November 18, 1970.
