Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, as an encyclopedia of Yoruba’s traditional history, who had a solution to every problem.
This is as he said the late Alaafin was one of those who told him he would lose the 2015 Oyo State governorship election.
The governor stated this on Sunday, during his condolence visit to the family of the late monarch at the Aafin (Palace), Oyo, noting that though Oba Adeyemi lived long and reigned for 52 years, it was still painful that he had to go at this time.
Makinde added that the late monarch lived a life that had great impact on humanity, adding that the late Kabiyesi’s impact transcended the shores of Oyo State to all parts of the federation.
The governor said the deaths of three foremost traditional rulers, namely the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and now the Alaafin of Oyo, were ordained by God and that they all lived a life of impact and left significant marks that would bring progress to the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as stating that following Kabiyesi’s demise on Friday night, he had received calls from the Presidency, governors, and foremost royal fathers across the country, among others.
He maintained that his government will do everything possible to give Oba Adeyemi a befitting burial.
He said, “When I visited him in 2015 and told him about my ambition, he frankly told me it was not going to work out due to one reason or the other and, at last, I failed but I learnt certain things. Not many people will tell one the truth. Kabiyesi told me it would not work and it never worked out.
“Having realised this, I got to understand again that in the position of authority, not many people will want to tell one the truth, and that lesson came from Kabiyesi.
“For all of us in Oyo State, it is a difficult period and what we need more is prayers. All the good things Baba wished to come to pass, may God give us the wisdom to actualise them. And I want to promise everybody that, as a government, we will do everything possible to give him a befitting burial rite.”
The governor equally charged the Oyomesi, who are saddled with the responsibility of choosing the next Alaafin not to allow a vacuum for too long, noting that his government would ensure that the wishes of the late Alaafin come to pass.
