The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has passed away at the age of 83 years.
According to reports, the top Yoruba monach was said to have joined his ancestors in the late hours of Friday. Oba Adeyemi III died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti.
It was gathered that the Alaafin’s first son, Prince ‘Tunde, and other children had received the monarch’s remains at Idi-Igba, Oyo town early Saturday morning.
Though palace sources confirmed that traditional rites have already begun, no official statement about the monarch’s demise has been released as of press time.
Born on 15 October 1938, to the Adeyemi branch of the Alowolodu family, Oba Adeyemi III was the 45th Alaafin of Oyo.
Before his demise, Oba Adeyemi ruled for 52 years making him the longest-reigning Alaafin. He ascended the throne, succeeding Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II on 18 November 1970.
The New Diplomat also reports that the demise of Oba Adeyemi came after the demise of notable monarchs in Oyo state, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji, who died on December 12, 2021, and January 2, 2022, respectively.
