Palace: Alaafin is dead, report debunking demise not true

The Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, has denied issuing any statement on Saturday to debunk the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

A statement purportedly issued by Durojaiye had emanated on Saturday debunking the demise of Oba Adeyemi.

Durojaiye, however, denied the report, saying the press statement was issued a long time ago when it was rumoured that Alaafin was dead.

It was learnt that the statement was issued in December 2021 when the revered Yoruba monarch was rumoured to have joined his ancestors.

Confirming the death of Alaafin, Durojaiye said: “It is true. Alaafin has joined his ancestors. I saw his remains laid down in the palace. The palace is mourning now. I can confirm that to you.

“There are many people that have stormed the palace at Oke-Afin in Oyo town. I am there right now. I will give details later through a press statement.”

When asked about the press statement debunking Alaafin’s death, Durojaiye said: “I did not issue any press statement today. That press release was issued a long time ago when it was rumoured that Alaafin was dead.”

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.

READ ALSO: Alaafin of Oyo dies at 83

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