The Iku Baba Yeye was the longest reigning Alaafin in history
Revered Yoruba traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has died. He was 83 years old.
Oba Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State. He was from the Alowolodu Ruling House.
Reports indicate that the remains of the traditional ruler, who is the longest reigning Alaafin in history, were brought down to Oyo town in the early hours of Saturday. He was on the throne for 52 years.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing 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.
The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.
A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
He was crowned on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye
While he reigned, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
With the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch. Mr Adeyemi’s predecessor, Alaafin Ladigbolu, was from the Agunloye House.
