News of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm– Aare Onakakanfo
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has described the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a national tragedy as well as a personal and colossal loss.
The Aare Onakakanfo, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said that the news of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm.
Adams, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, noted that the foremost Yoruba monarch lived a worthy life all through his reign.
“It is a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.
“The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.
“Baba’s 52-year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.
“In his 52-year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution,” the Aare said.
According to him, Nigeria, Yoruba nation and the ancient town of Oyo has loss a great monarch whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarch.
“I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss.
“I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.
“Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy. It is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country,” he added.
He said that the Yoruba had loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.
Adams said: “A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry. There is no way I can figure out this collosal loss.
“Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race. He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race. Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.
“No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo, but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.”
He said that the late Alaafin occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles and with much honour, reverence and candour that gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Adams said that Alaafin showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.
The Aare said that he was at the palace of Alaafin in March when Kabiyesi led the chief to Bishop Ladigbolu’s function in Oyo, saying “Alaafin was hail and hearty”.
Adams said that the late Alaafin brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic,even in the area of education, sports and a cultural development.
The Aare, who noted that the late Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life, described him as a symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage,
“We will sorely miss his wise counsel.We will miss his voice and resoluteness.We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.
We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength.We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues.
“We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause.We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all,we will miss his whole being,” he added.
The Aare commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Oyo Mesi, the family of Alaafin and the people of the state.
Oba Adeyemi was the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
He was crowned on Nov.18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on Oct.15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
He is said to have died at the Aare Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital on Friday, April 22, 2022 at age 83.
His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs- the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died.
