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Tag: Alaafin of Oyo

  • Speaker Gbajabiamila saddened over Alaafin’s demise

    Speaker Gbajabiamila saddened over Alaafin’s demise

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described the passing away of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, as a sad development that touched him personally.

    Gbajabiamila said the death of the paramount Yoruba ruler came to him as a rude shock, describing the late Alaafin, who had been like a father to him, as a very intelligent father with a sound grasp of traditional, social, political and international history.

    According to him, Oba Adeyemi was a man of peace whose five decades of quality leadership to his people endeared him to the masses.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila, who was recently appointed the Aare Baasofin of Yoruba Land by the late Alaafin, said the death of the traditional ruler has created a void too difficult to fill.

    He said the Alaafin would be sorely missed by him and all Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people, as he served as a father figure to all, giving wise counsel when needed. He has supported the political career of many Nigerian leaders especially in the quest of Gbajabiamila’s journey to the Speakership of the country.

    While praying for Allah (SWT) to find a peaceful resting place for the Alaafin, Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the people and Government of Oyo State, especially the Royal Family and the entire Yoruba race.

  • Hon. Akande-Sadipe Pays Tribute to Late Alaafin, Says Yoruba Race Has Lost ‘an ENCYCLOPEDIA of Culture’

    Hon. Akande-Sadipe Pays Tribute to Late Alaafin, Says Yoruba Race Has Lost ‘an ENCYCLOPEDIA of Culture’

    The House of Representatives Member from Oluyole Federal Constituency, Rep Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has paid glowing tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed on yesterday evening.

    Akande-Sadipe, in her tribute made available to newsmen today, described the late Monarch as one of the most revered royal fathers, who had a vast knowledge of Yoruba culture and history.

    She said the Monarch, who was the longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo, has paid his dues and impacted lives, within and outside his kingdom.

    “Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was one of the most revered Royal Fathers in Africa and the longest-reigning Alaafin of Oyo, whose life and time was very impactful”, she said.

    She described the news of his demise as a rude shock, adding that she is eternally grateful that she was one of the privileged ones to have witnessed his reign.

    “I appreciate your wise counsel, as our Royal Father, Kabiyesi”, she said.

    She noted that the late monarch contributed meaningfully to the socio-cultural development and economical growth of Oyo State.

    The Rep member, who Chairs Diaspora Affairs committee at the green chambers further commiserated with her colleague, Rep. Akeem Adeyemi, the Oloris, other princes and princesses, the entire Oyo palace and Oyomesi, Sons and Daughters of the ancient Oyo town, and residents, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Yoruba Monarchs.

    She wished him Aljana Firdaus, praying that Almighty God guards him in his journey to eternity.

  • Obasanjo Mourns Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

    Obasanjo Mourns Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who he described as a symbol of Nigeria’s epic struggle for self-discovery and self-actualisation.

    He paid tributes to the late traditional ruler on Saturday in his letter of condolence to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

    Obasanjo, who is presently in Ethiopia, condoled with the governor, the family of Oba Adeyemi, and the entire people of Oyo on the transition.

    He stated that the late highly revered monarch was a patriotic and respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria.

    “He (Alaafin) stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs, and he was as well a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding, not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country,” the elder statesman was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.

    According to him, it was during Oba Adeyemi’s reign that Oyo town got transformed into the modern city that it has become and his contribution to nation-building was also acknowledged in the conferment of the esteemed national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on him and other honorary degrees that he received from Nigerian and outside educational institutions.

  • Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joins ancestors at 83

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joins ancestors at 83

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

    He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for over 52 years.

    Oba Lamidi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, joined his ancestors at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State.

    His remains were said to have been moved to Oyo town in the earliest part of Saturday and were received at Idi-Igba by his first son, Prince Tunde and his other siblings.

    The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.

    Unconfirmed reports said the paramount ruler had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.

    A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.

    His death came a few months after two First Class monarchs in the state, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi joined their ancestors.

    While the Soun, Oba Oyewumi joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021, the Olubadan, Oba Adetunji joined on January 2, 2022.

    However, the Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi was born on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

    He was crowned on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.

    While he reigned, he was Chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

  • Alaafin names Speaker Gbajabiamila as Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland

    Alaafin names Speaker Gbajabiamila as Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland

    …I’m most honoured, says Speaker

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been conferred with the traditional title of the Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Legislative Guide for Yorubaland) by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (CFR).

    This is the first time that a Yoruba son would be conferred with such a title.

    The Alaafin made the conferment in a letter dated September 7, 2021, and presented to the Speaker on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja, by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Yusuf Olayinka Ayoola, who is the traditional Prime Minister of Oyo Kingdom.

    The Alaafin said in the letter that: “Since your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing-in as a member of Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence as the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the 9th National Assembly House of Representatives via an overwhelming 283 votes out of 360 members.

    “I have watched with keen interest your unquantifiable contributions on the floor of the House as a member with the highest number of Bills and Motions, to your rise from a Member to Minority Leader, Leader of the House and eventually the Rt. Hon. Speaker and your Centrality in the federating unit Nigeria have placed you in the legislative realm just like our forefathers who were actively involved in nation-building.

    “….Going by the above, you have demonstrated as a Legislator the uniqueness inherent in the Yoruba race participating effectively in nation-building; you have participated in ensuring that the practice of separation of power to check abuses of the Executive and ensure the smooth running of government.

    “After due consideration and indeed consultation, the Alaafin in Council has identified you with the aforementioned attributes and considered you worthy of being honoured. It is on this basis that I have decided on behalf of Yoruba land to pick you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND.’

    “This new title bestowed on you is a clear reflection of your outstanding success as an astute legislator, accomplished Legal Luminary, successful Representative of Yoruba race and Nigeria in general. With this title, you are placed in the rank of great Empire builders and defenders of the Yoruba race. The least I can expect from you in your new title is to put all the state attributes of yours for the service of Yoruba land and advancement of a balanced system of government.”

    Presenting the letter, the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Ayoola, who spoke in Yoruba language, said the selection of the Speaker as the first Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland land was well thought out.

    The Bashorun, whose remarks were translated by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, leader of the Oyo Development Association, said looking at Gbajabiamila’s records, the Alaafin saw in him “an adequate representation of the kind of balance in governance where the Executive exercises its own authority, but the Legislature is there to say this is what the people want, and this is how we want you to do it.”

    Accepting the honour, Speaker Gbajabiamila said he was full of appreciation and pride looking at where the title came from.

    “I honestly want to thank the Alaafin for this gesture; this honour that he has done to me and the House of Representatives. May the Almighty God continue to honour him.

    “I receive this honour with pride because of where it is coming from. You cannot talk about Yorubaland and not talk about the Alaafin and the Oyo Kingdom as the cradle of civilisation.”

    The Speaker noted with delight how democratic the Oyo Empire had been even before the coming of the colonial masters, saying the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s democratic journey could not be too strongly stressed.

    “I have accepted this honour on behalf of the House and my colleagues”, he added.

    There were goodwill messages from the leader of the South West Caucus in the House, Rep. Femi Fakeye, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Oluwole Oke, who also thanked the delegation for the honour done the Speaker and the House.

  • Alaafin Of Oyo Celebrates 50 years on throne

    Alaafin Of Oyo Celebrates 50 years on throne

    Foremost traditional ruler and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, today clocked 50 years of his assumption of the royal throne.

    The monarch was installed on the 14th January, 1971.

    Although he had earlier announced the postponement of the celebration because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the monarch announced the golden jubilee celebration on his social handles.

    Oba Adeyemi, the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, in a statement at the weekend, cited the need to adhere to the restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason behind the postponement.

    The statement reads: “With due gratitude to God first and foremost, and my illustrious and great ancestors, I will be 50 years on the throne of the most exalted Yoruba throne this month. My gratitude is further deepened by the fact that I ascended the throne at the age of 31.

    “As it is expected, I have made adequate and abundant arrangements for the elaborate thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate the well-deserved occasion.

    “As usual, those who know the importance of the Alaafin stool to the Yoruba nationhood at home and in the diaspora had indicated their intention to be present on the occasion.

    “Accordingly, a lot of resources had been committed by well-meaning people apart from my personal purse; to which we thank God for His blessings. But against the backdrop of the current global pandemic of COVID-19, I have got to make a rethink on the timing of the celebration.

    “With very strong personal pain, but with respect for the sanctity of human life, I have been able to convince my traditional cabinet in the name of Oyomesi, of the need to postpone the formal programme till after the pandemic may have gone in no distant future.

    “Suffice to say that part of the factors that informed the painful decision is the logistics of effecting the social distance rule and the need of harbouring visitors from abroad, the mandatory two weeks isolation, which may not be verified.

    “Consequently, between personal interest and national interest is concerned, especially when it comes to the sanctity of human lives, the choice is clear for any patriot.

    “While regretting any inconvenience the postponement may have caused, the sanctity of human life is more important to me than any social engagement.”

  • OAP Oluwatoyin Oki debunks rumour of being Alaafin of Oyo’s new bride

    OAP Oluwatoyin Oki debunks rumour of being Alaafin of Oyo’s new bride

    Fast rising On Air Personality and Orisun TV girl, Oluwatoyin Oki has debunked news making the rounds that she is Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III’s new bride.

    This is coming after news made the rounds days ago that the traditional ruler has taken a new bride.

    Photos of his alleged new wife made the rounds and she shares a striking resemblance with Oki.

    After the news broke, fans and well wishers of Oki took to social media to congratulate her.

    Oki has rubbished the rumour. According to her, she isn’t the one and can never be. Adding that although she looks like the bride, she isn’t the one.

    She made this known in a chat with Charming Magazine.

    “wonders they say shall never end. I was surprised when i got the news. Initially, I never knew why people were congratulating me, I was forced to ask one of them and the person said he heard that I just married Alafin of Oyo secretly.” She said.

    She continued;

    “ I was shocked, and I began to laugh because I know it is not possible. Marriage isn’t what they can do behind you. “

    “Later on, another well wisher sent the same congratulatory message to my Whatsapp number with the lady’s picture. This was the moment I realized where the mix up was coming from. I can’t deny the fact that myself and the new bride of Alafin seems to share the same look, but I am not the person. No matter what, I can never marry my dad or my grandfather’s mate because of anything”.

  • “Women and money”, Nigerians react to photo of Alafin of Oyo and one of his wives, Olori Dami

    “Women and money”, Nigerians react to photo of Alafin of Oyo and one of his wives, Olori Dami

    Nigerians have reacted to a photo of the aged Alafin of Oyo and one of his wives, Olori Dami.

    The photo was released yesterday, 5th August as the Olori clocked a year older.

    Reacting to it, Nigerians reacted to it with mixed reactions, with many believing that she married him because of money.

    See the photo below…

    See some reactions below…

    “Is it lack of self worth or these young ladies think there are no better men outside well maybe because I’m not a fanatic of older men Sha, is crazy right”

    “hmmm ike gwuru oo! Is like this world just belongs to men to enjoy as they so wish o! Look at his age and one of his wives! Hmmm”

    “This man has spec and his spec is fair & endowed ladies”

    “Women and money sha……Chei this life no balance at all”

  • Alafin of Oyo’s youngest wife, Olori Badirat missing in family Sallah celebration photo

    Alafin of Oyo’s youngest wife, Olori Badirat missing in family Sallah celebration photo

    Following her rumoured involvement with KWAM 1, Queen Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, the youngest wife of the Alafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi was seen missing in the Sallah celebration family portrait of the king and his wives.

    She was recently accused of having extra marital affairs with the Fuji star. However, they have both publicly denied the allegations.

    See the family photo below…

    The photo has gotten many Nigerians thinking the alleged infidelity might be true and she was allegedly chased out of the palace.

    See some reactions below…

    “Alafin Oyo Celebrates Eid with his lovely young wives. Someone is missing in this picture fah,I tell una day Ola never return go house,some people say Na fake gist,from hotel to staying with friends for their house”

    “I noticed too.. It is well, God will fix it “

    “Gather here for selfie if Na wetin Dey my mind u rush go check for this picture . Someone is missing true true”

    “Where is Ele Daddy”