Nigerian paramount monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has finally passed away to join his ancestors, bringing an end to his 52-years-old transformational reign on the throne. ayokinews.com reports
Oba Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, at the age of 83. He happens to be the longest-serving Alafin of Oyo.
While the public awaits funeral preparations for “Iku Baba Yeye”, as he was affectionately known, below are eight highlights from Adeyemi’s life.
Birth
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, a descendant of the Oranmiyan ruling dynasty, was born on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House. He was the son of late Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, who became Alaafin in 1945. His mother, Ibironke, died while he was a child.
Enthronement
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who was just 31 years old at the time, ascended to the throne of Alaafin in 1970, shortly after the Nigerian civil war ended. He was crowned under tbe then military Governor, Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo.
Passion
The late king’s passion for boxing, which he had publicly demonstrated, was one of his most prominent characteristics. Prior to reaching the throne, he was claimed to be a professional boxer.
Pilgrimage
In 1975, the then Nigerian military Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, added Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III to his hajj entourage. Also, in 1990, then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida named him “Amir-ul-Hajj” in honor of his dedication to the development of Islam in Nigeria.
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Educational Appointment
The late Alaafin of Oyo, served as the Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodiyo University in Sokoto from 1980 to 1992.
Chairman Council of Obas
Alaafin served as the permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State until May 3, 2011, when former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala (now deceased) announced that the state government had passed a law requiring the Alaafin and two other kings in the state – the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso – to rotate the position of Chairman.
Harem of Wives
The late monarch had 11 wives, the most senior of them was Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, with whom he generally attended most occasions, either with her or with one of the 12 subordinate spouses.
His other wives are; Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeye
Fathered Over 20 Children
The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, is succeeded by more than twenty children and grandchildren.
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