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Alaafin reconciled with all before death ― Son

Prince Akeem Adeyemi, one of the sons of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, said his father has reconciled with almost everybody he had differences with before his death.

Adeyemi, who is a member of the House of Representatives representing Afijio, Oyo East, Oyo West, and Atiba Federal Constituency, said his father could have differences with anyone based on principles, but was able to reconcile with all of them before his death.

The son, who described the late Alaafin as a core traditionalist and defender of Yoruba culture, said it was a pity that they lost a man who has given Oyo its true name.

“It is a pity we lost a man, who has given Oyo its true name, a man who has truly represented Yoruba culture, a symbol of Yoruba tradition.

“A man of epitomy of knowledge and wisdom is gone; what can we do? we can’t query the Almighty God.

“We love him and we are celebrating a life well spent; the legacy he left behind is for us to always defend Yoruba and always say the truth, no matter whose ox is goose,” he said.

Adeyemi said that his father lived his entire life in service to humanity and loved his people as a king and served them to till his death.

The Star had earlier reported that Oba Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

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.

Oba Adeyemi died at the age of 83.

The death of Alaafin came 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.

The Star