Southwest Govs’ Forum mourns Alaafin, say another great Iroko tree has fallen

By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure

Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that he received the news of the transition of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, with a rude shock.

Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, described the transition of the highly reverred monarch to the world beyond as a big blow to the Oyo Kingdom; Yoruba race; and the country at large.

He said, “We have lost a quintessential traditional ruler and custodian of the Yoruba culture. His contributions to the development and advancement of the country and Yoruba Land in particular are unquantifiable.

“He was a great pillar. A great giant who did not only represent our cultural values but also preserved and promoted the Yoruba culture. He was a repository of knowledge.

“With over five decades on the throne of his fathers, Oba Lamidi III was the longest-reigning Alaafin whose reign has been the most remarkable for the entire Oyo Kingdom. He was a symbol of Yoruba Unity.” the governor said.

Akeredolu added that the efforts of the late Alaafin toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“His commitment toward ensuring the unity of the Yoruba cannot be forgotten in a hurry. He lived a life invariably imbued with candour and resplendence. He was royal to the end.”

The Governor expressed his condolences to Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.

He prayed that the Almighty Allah will accept Baba’s soul and give him eternal rest in his bossom.