Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, dead at 83, buried

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died late hours of Friday, April 22, has been buried.

Oba Adeyemi, who was reportedly certified dead at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, was 83 years old.

His remains were laid to rest on Saturday, within the premises of the palace, according to Muslim rites.

The news of the death of the top Yoruba traditional ruler broke on Saturday morning hours after he had passed.

Alaafin Adeyemi, popularly known as ‘Iku Baba Yeye, served as the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

He was reportedly sick and was scheduled to be flown abroad for treatment before he joined his ancestors on Friday.

READ: Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji dies at 93

The Late Adeyemi was the third to ascend the throne from the Alowolodu Ruling House and ruled for 52 years, making him the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Oyo town.

He was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938, and succeeded Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, as the new Alaafin on November 18, 1970.

Following his demise, the Bashorun of Oyo and Head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, Yusuf Akinade, is expected to lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin would be installed.

The monarch died months after the death of two other top traditional rulers in the state – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.