Alaafin of Oyo dies at 83

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has joined his ancestors.

It was gathered that Oba Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Alaafin died at the age of 83.

A credible source at the palace disclosed that the remains of the top Yoruba monarch were brought to Oyo town in the early hours of Saturday, adding that traditional rites have begun in the ancient town.

It was further learnt that Alaafin had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he gave up the ghost on Friday night.

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The death of Alaafin is coming months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who died on January 2; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who joined his ancestors in December 2021.

Oba Adeyemi was born on October 15, 1938.

The first class Oba from the Alowolodu Ruling House reigned for 52 years.

He succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II in 1970 and was crowned on January 14, 1971.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the traditional ruler’s passage.

The Star