Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom in Lagos State has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as the end of an era.
Elegushi said this in a condolence message on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, to the Oyomesi and the people of Oyo Kingdom.
He said that the traditional institution in Nigeria and the black race had lost a strong pillar and a notable voice that symbolises the true essence of culture and tradition.
“Without doubt, this is the end of an era. Alaafin’s passing is the closure of a glorious chapter in our traditional institution.
“He was a king and a leader that preached culture, he demonstrated it and he was a repository of knowledge on our cultural values and ethos that we all look up to,” Oba Elegushi said.
The traditional ruler said that his relationship with the late Alaafin was that of a father and son and despite their difference in age and years on the throne, Alaafin accorded him the respect and was always available each time he sought his advice or counsel.
Elegushi said that with the transition of Alaafin, all traditional rulers in Yoruba land must come together and ensure that the legacies for which Alaafin lived, which are the rich Yoruba cultural values and ethos, were preserved and passed onto the next generation.
Elegushi said, “I want to appeal to all the kings in Yoruba land to come together and ensure that our values and culture do not become extinct. We must make an effort to pass on to the next generation the rich tradition and cultural values bequeathed to us by our forefathers.”
He was a bridge builder, courageous leader– Fayemi
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as 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, 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 Governors’ 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 was 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 accolades 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
He was a true son of Oduduwa – 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 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 setback for the progressive movement in Yorubaland and in Nigeria.
While extending his condolences to the government and people of Oyo state, Oyinlola prayed to God to grant the departed eternal peace and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.
He has made sacrificial exit for us all – Peller
A member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller (APC- Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa) said that the death of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, is a sacrificial exit for Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“My father, Alaafin, has made a sacrificial exit for us all,” Peller said.
Peller was installed as the Ayedero of Yorubaland by the late Oba Adeyemi in 2021.
He described the late Alaafin as “a father, motivator and youth-driven traditional ruler”, who encouraged youths to rise up to the challenge of taking the lead in rebuilding Nigeria.
Peller recalled his relationship with the late Oba Adeyemi, saying he grew up to know Alaafin as his father and close ally of his biological father, late Prof. Moshood Peller.
He said that the late traditional ruler advised him in 2018 to join politics and vie for an elective position even when he had no intention.
Peller said that the late Oba Adeyemi challenged him again in 2020 to take up the task of promoting peace and prosperity in the land, hence the conferment of Ayedero of Yorubaland on him.
“So, Alaafin’s exit remains a great loss not just to the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria, but to me personally as his son. He believed so much in me, and I will miss him.
“I pray that God overlooks his shortcomings, and may his soul find peace with God both in the grave and on the day of judgment.
“I also pray that God consoles his immediate family, loved ones, close relatives and associates that he has left behind,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed his heartfelt condolences to the entire people of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
‘He was a father-figure to me and the entire Adelabu Dynasty’
Also, Adebayo Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in 2019, described the death of Oba Adeyemi as a great loss to the entire country.
Adelabu said: “The demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III came to me as a rude shock. He was a father-figure to me and the entire Adelabu Dynasty.
“He played significant roles before, during and after my 2019 governorship campaign.
“He was a custodian of our tradition and culture. He was an encyclopedia of Yoruba history.
“His advice was invaluable. His demise has created a very big vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
The governorship aspirant in the forthcoming general elections said that his political activities had been suspended to honour Oba Adeyemi, whose legacy would forever be remembered.
He sympathised with the good people of Oyo Town, the royal family and the people of Oyo State over the demise of the highly revered traditional ruler.
Adelabu prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Ajimobi, Abass-Aleshinloye extol his virtues
Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, son of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, the former Chairman, Oluyole Local Government council have joined in mourning late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
This is contained in their separate statements made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Ajimobi described the death of Oba Adeyemi as a great loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria, noting that he would be missed by people with great minds.
The former governor’s son in a statement he personally signed, described the late Alaafin as a repository of knowledge, history and impeccable personality.
According to him, we need to continue praying to God for his mercy and forgiveness over the loss of our great minds within a short period.
“Three top-class traditional rulers in this state have joined their ancestors within just five months. Kabiyesi Alaafin lived a good life.
“All we have we need to do now as Kabiyesi’s children is to continue to pray that Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest. Our people need to devote more time for prayers.’’
He called on the people to pray fervently for the departed fathers, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi and other prominent people of the state.
Ajimobi condoled with the family of the late Oba Adeyemi, praying that Almighty God would comfort them on this irreparable loss.
Abass-Aleshinloye, a former Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria in Oyo State commiserated with the Yoruba race over the passage of the foremost Yoruba culture and tradition custodian.
The House of Representatives aspirant in a statement he personally signed said he received the news of Oba Adeyemi’s death a forthright first class traditional ruler with rude shock.
The ex- ALGON leader described the late Alaafin of Oyo as an icon of international status, whose contribution to the development of humanity transcended ethnic barriers.
He said the late Alaafin’s immense contribution to the development of Oyo town, Oyo state and Nigeria would forever be in gold prints.
“We will sorely miss Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. He was indeed a role model and a wise ruler, who without fear or favour ruled his people with great wisdom and a high sense of humour.
“As mortals we never want our elderly ones to die, but the Holy Books said that all souls must taste death.
“So, we have to submit to the supreme will of the Almighty Allah from whom we came and unto whom we shall all return,” he said.
Abass-Aleshinloye urged the entire family of the late Alaafin to be consoled by the fact that he lived a good life, impacted lives and left great legacies.
“I pray that God would repose the soul of our departed Kabiyesi. May He comfort the family and the people of Oyo state,’’ he added.
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, Bamiji Awa, in a statement 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.
He said the meeting was targeted at promoting love and unity before the May 30 Presidential Primaries of the ruling party.
Nollywood actors pay tribute to late Alaafin of Oyo
Some Nollywood actors have mourned the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.
The actors took to their Instagram pages to pay tribute to the late oba with the display of his pictures.
Ademola Adetunji wrote, “ATANDA became a king at 31 and ruled for 52 years, died at 83…LAMIDI was a true example of not too young to rule. RIP Atanda Olayiwola Lamidi Adeyemi….IKU BABA YEYE. Sunre ooo.”
Also, Adebayo Salami popularly known as “Oga Bello”, said, “I commiserate with the royal family, Oyo State Government and the good people of Oyo kingdom on the transition of His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him al jannah Firdaos.”
Another actor, Saheed Balogun, wrote, “Erin wo! RIP Iku Baba Yeye Kabiyesi Adeyemi Lamidi.”
Muyiwa Ademola said, “Erin wo, ajanaku sun bi oke. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ti waja, Atanda roru aremabo. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Kunle Afod wrote, “RIP Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III Alafin Oyo. You shall forever be remembered.”
Toyin Afolayan said, “May your soul rest in perfect peace, Baba dada iku Baba yeye, oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, King of Oyo land, Sun re o.”
NAN
