President Muhammadu Buhari, has joined Nigerians to mourn the demise of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, on Saturday, President Buhari said Alaafin was significant for human development, adding that he encouraged learning as a culture and formal education and promoted values of peace and stability.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, 83, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country, and witnessed transformations in his domain.
“The President affirms that the Alaafin of Oyo’s 52 years of rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity while promoting values of peace and stability.
“As a highly revered traditional ruler, President Buhari notes the late monarch’s numerous participations in national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, and the living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
“As a highly revered traditional ruler, President Buhari notes the late monarch’s numerous participations in national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, and the living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
A chieftain of Accord party in Oyo state, Alhaji Saheed Adegboyega Ajadi has commiserated with the people of Oyo town and Nigerians in general on the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adéyemí III.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, Ajadi described the loss of Oba Adéyemí as the end of an era, stressing that an irreplaceable vacuum had just been created.
Ajadi, a Governorship seat hopeful in Oyo state, said Baba was one of the strongest rallying points for the Yorubas and the entire nation.
“We have just witnessed the end of an era. Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adéyemí was a uniting force in Yoruba land. He was a prominent and influential monarch in the council of traditional Obas and Emirs nationwide.Baba was not only an encyclopedia of knowledge,he was also a sports man.Most important of all,Baba lived a fulfilled life for 83 years ,he will be missed by all”
Alhaji Ajadi prayed that God Almighty would Stand by the people of Oyo town, the Yorubaland and Nigerians at this trying moment.
At exactly 12 noon, the body of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s was brought out to the Ogun court, one of the many Special courts in the palace.
Islamic clerics, led by the chief Imam of Oyo, Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Adebayo Ajokidero performed the final prayers watched by a mammoth crowd.
The chief Imam also prayed and spoke briefly about the late monarch.
Security personnel had a hectic time controlling newsmen who struggled to catch the final moments as other phases would be done strictly in accordance with tradition.
Meanwhile, people from different walks of life have started signing the condolence register.
The Chief Imam of Oyo, Sheikh Mos’ud Ajokidero and other notable Islamic clerics in Oyo and neighboring towns have performed the funeral (Janazah) prayers on the remains of the departed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi
The prayers, held outside the Aganju forecourt, took place few minutes before noon.
His body was thereafter taken to Baara, a five -minute drive from the palace, where the remains of departed Alaafins were lowered.
His popular princes and princesses including, Babatunde, Skimeh, Bayo Adeyemi and Taibah Adeyemi-Agaba were present.
Ṣalāt al-Janāzah is the Islamic funeral prayer; a part of the Islamic funeral ritual. The prayer is performed in congregation to seek pardon for the deceased and all dead Muslims.
Former senator, representing Oyo central senatorial district, Ayo Adeseun has described the news of the passage of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as shocking.
Senator Adeseun said it would be challenging for Oyo state and Oyo town in particular to have another likeness of the late monarch.
“It is unfortunate that Kabiesi passed on. Baba was a great man.This is the end of an era.The likes of Alaafin would not come around soon,he came ,he saw and he conquered.He dominated his environment and brought progress to Oyo state and Oyo town. He was a very influential member of council of Obas and Emirs nationwide,we will miss him solely
Also, Son of former Governor of Oyo State, Idris Bolaji Abiola-Ajimobi on Saturday said the death of the First Class Monarch, Alaafin Adeyemi, was a great loss to the Yoruba speaking states in particular and the entire nation at large, noting that the monarch would be missed by people of great minds.
Idris stated this while condoling with the immediate family of the late Monarch, the people of Oyo town and the entire nation.*
In a statement he personally signed in his Ibadan residence, Idris Bolaji Abiola-Ajimobi described the monarch as a man of formidable Intellectual capacity, an epitome of knowledge, an Academician, a man with an impeccable personality.*
According to him, “We need to continue praying to God, for his mercy and always seeks for forgiveness. Three top-class monarchs have joined their ancestors within months. Baba has lived a good life, all we need to do now as Baba’s children is to continue to pray that Almighty Allah should grant him eternal rest. I want the teeming indigenes of Oyo and Oyo state as a whole to devote time for prayers for the state, especially our fathers, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, a Senior Chief of Ibadanland and many other prominent people of the state.”
“I condole with the family of the late Monarch, on the demise of our First Class Monarch. I pray God in His infinite mercies to comfort baba’s wives and the children,” Idris Abiola-Ajimobi said.
Also, former lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin has described passage of the monarch as a rude shock and a great loss to Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
Senator Lanlehin explained that the monarch would be missed for his wealth of historical knowledge among other vital issues and pray for repose of his soul.
Similarly, a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeolu Adeleke enjoined the people of Oyo town and Oyo State as a whole to sustain the legacy of unity, peaceful co-existence and Yoruba tradition as well as cultural heritage the monarch is known for.
Hundreds of sympathisers, mourners, traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians have converge on the Alaafin Palace, Akesan, Oyo State on Saturday morning.
This came following the passage of the Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III to his ancestors.
Some of the sympathisers were seen crying, while others hailed the late monarch.
Oba Adeyemi left the world on Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
His demise has been confirmed by the palace on Saturday.
Within the last five months, Oyo State had lost three prominent traditional rulers.
The late Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, in December, 2021; the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, on January 2, 2022 and now the Alaafin of Oyo.
The first class oba, who reigned for 52 years, departed at the age of 83.
The Deji of Akure Kingdom and the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas , Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo has received the passage of Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Lamidi Adeyemi with rude shock.
The Deji said Oba Adeyemi was a bridge builder who contributed immensely to the growth of the entire Yoruba Nation as well as the Country at large.
According to the monarch, Alaafin’s wealth of experience and love for education coupled with unequalled quest for knowledge made him unique and stood him out throughout his reign .
Oba Aladetoyinbo then commiserated with the immediate family and the good people of Oyo State over this irreparable loss and that God grant him eternal rest.
Also, the Owa of Idanre ,Oba Frederick Aroloye has described the late Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as a great nationalist who did his best to project the culture and tradition of Yoruba race.
The Monarch spoke in his palace in idanre while reacting to the passage of the foremost monarch
The monarch opined that the late First class ruler would be missed for his bravery, honesty and patriotism towards issues of national interest .
Oba Aroloye prayed God grant him eternal rest and guide the kingmakers right in choosing a successor.
Also, monarchs in Akoko area of Ondo state and notable personalities have reacted to the demise of Alaafin of Oyo, oba Lamidi Adeyemi
The Zaki of Arigidi Akoko oba Dr Yisa olanipekun whose kinsman, Otunba Gani Adams is the Aare ona kakanfo of Yorubaland installed by the late monarch described him as an experienced traditional ruler and a custodian of Rich cultural heritage who was also accomodating and peace loving.
The Akala of Ikaram Akoko and the chairman Akoko northwest local government traditional council oba Andrew Momodu said the foremost monarch left remarkable legacies.
A former speaker of the ondo state house of assembly Dr Bakita Bello said his long reign was an asset to the people of oyo town and the entire Yorubaland.
They noted his reign was peaceful bringing developments to Oyo town and prayed that God give Oyo government , Family and the people of Oyo town the fortitude to bear the loss.
The death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III has been described as the end of a remarkable and glorious era by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
This was contained in a statement personally signed by the monarch and made available to the media on Saturday following the announcement of the death of the great monarch in the early hours of Friday.
Oba Balogun, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the Oyo monarch recalled that the last time the two met was at his (Balogun) coronation/installation last month in Ibadan.
Olubadan described the late Alaafin as a royal father per excellence, who projected Yoruba culture and civilization with awe and dignity, noting that with his exit, Yoruba has lost a rare gem.
“A highly scholarly, pragmatic and dynamic monarch with undiluted love for his race and people, Alaafin would be sorely missed by humanity for his contributions which would continue to speak for him eternally.
“Together with the late Alaafin, we have been friends for a very long time. So, his death is a personal loss to me and very painful too that he won’t be around now that I have become Olubadan to share from his rich experience.
“Death is an inevitable end of mankind and it will come at Allah’s appointed time for every individual. We take solace in the good works the Almighty Allah used the late Alaafin to do for humanity and the good name being left behind.
“I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, the Oyoland and the immediate and extended families of our highly reverred Alaafin with supplication to the Almighty Allah to accept him to His kingdom and grant all the fortitude to bear the loss”, Olubadan added.
Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo State council, has described the passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi the third, as a painful exit of an Iconic King in Yoruba land.
In a statement by its chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Abolade and executive secretary of the Union, Comrade Olusegun ABATAN , the Union said the ancient town of Oyo, Yoruba land, Oyo state, Nigeria and indeed Africa have lost a peace-loving and courageous monarch, who brought an uncommon aura to the throne of Alaafin and a lot of economic prosperity to Oyo town.
Oyo NUP however asked all concerned, to take solace in the fact that, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lived a fulfilled life, worthy of emulation, and full of unquantifiable achievements for himself and Oyo land as a whole.
The statement commiserates with the people of Oyo town, Oyo state government, and Governor Seyi Makinde over the passage of the eminent monarch while praying for the repose of his soul.
Reactions have continued to trail the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who joined his ancestors on Friday.
Reacting on the demise, an Oyo born and Ibadan based Legal Practitioner, Mr Kunle Abimbola described Late Oba Adeyemi as an orator, an Ambassador of Yoruba language who had contributed immensely to the development of Yoruba culture and values Also reacting, an Ogun state based cleric who hails from a ruling house in Oyo town, Prince Adegbite Teller, said the late Alaafin was the first educated monarch in Oyo. Prince Teller said the reign of Alaafin had not only facilitated the development of Oyo town but enabled title holders and neighbouring villages in oyo to know their legitimate rights and privileges.
Speaking on the next line of action, the Director of Media to the Alaafin Palace, Mr Bode Durojaiye said the children of the late Monarch were being awaited for further actions.
The federal government has expressed determination to recapture all escapees from the Medium Security Custodial centre, Abolongo dead or alive.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated this during an inspection visit to the Custodial Centre that was recently attacked.
Our correspondent who was there reports that the Oyo State governor Engineer Seyi Makinde and the Alaafin of Oyo also visited the scene.
Mr. Aregbesola who described as barbaric the trend of jailbreak in recent times said the government would fortify its security apparatus to prevent it from being overpowered by bandits.
The minister said the attack was obviously premeditated and coordinated to make Nigeria unsafe and ridicule the government, noting that the government would not fold its hands to allow a recurrence.
Mr. Aregbesola also cautioned the public not to render any assistance to any of the fleeing inmates, saying such was punishable under the law.
“Last year, we had an unfortunate case of an escaped convict that went to kill those who served as witnesses in the case against him, before he was later arrested. Of course, he would serve the remainder of his term and go for fresh trial for escaping from lawful custody and the murder of the witnesses. But the harm had been done. Thanks to those who made it possible for him to escape from custody ab initio”.
“We responded to the attacks by retraining our officers and increasing the number of armed personnel in our facilities. But Kabba again proved a different kettle of fish with the sheer number of the invaders and the sophistication of their arms and incendiary devices they brought”.
“Again, the Oyo attack came out of the ordinary. Nothing absolutely suggests that any such attack could happen or be possible, given the security measures we have put in place”.
“Let me assure Nigerians of their safety of lives and property”.
“Our custodial facilities are safe and we are putting extra safety measures in place, in light of the observed pattern of the external attacks we have seen, to prevent any such occurrence in the future”.
“This matter is being investigated and we shall leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the matter – the remote and immediate causes and the vulnerability of our system and personnel if any”.
“There shall not be a repeat of our guards being overwhelmed again. This is an anomaly that should never repeat itself. The Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be overwhelmed. Our guards will give whatever it takes, never to be overwhelmed again”.
“We are going after every single inmate that escaped from custody. We shall hunt them to the ends of the earth. All the security agencies in the country are on their trail. We shall not rest or tire until we bring the last one in, dead or alive” he said.
While imploring the public to supply security agencies with useful information, Mr. Aregbesola gave an assurance that the federal government would handsomely reward such a gesture.
“I am assuring Nigerians that there is no hiding place for an inmate that escaped from our facilities. This is because we have the records of all the inmates, including their biometric data, which are being forwarded to Interpol, making it impossible for them to travel, apply for any travel document, engage in any financial transaction or present themselves at any border post, in any country in the world. They are fugitives and will remain on the run until we apprehend them. And we shall surely apprehend them”.
The Federal Government, however, out of magnanimity, is giving them a small window to voluntarily turn themselves in, for which they will be pardoned for escaping from custody.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I am offering my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Friday attack”, Aregbesola added.
Reacting to some claims that some high profile inmates had escaped, Deputy Controller General Operations, Nigerian Correctional Service, Tukur Ahmed disclosed that Wakeel Iskilu, a suspected kidnapped kingpin terrorising the Ibarapa area and a serial killer, Sunday Shodipe were not in Abolongo.
Earlier, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde who expressed sadness on the jailbreak directed immediate installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras and immediate grading of the roads leading to the facility.
On his part, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi commiserated with the relatives of those who lost their lives to the attack, urging the government to provide more security for correctional facilities across the country.
The correctional facility was attacked on Friday creating room for about nine hundred inmates to escape out of which three hundred and seventy-eight have been recaptured.
Àwọn méjìdínlọ́gbọ̀n ni wọ́n ti fàmì ẹ̀yẹ dá lọ́lá láti sàmì ayẹyẹ ọgbọ̀n ọdún ìdásílẹ̀ ìpínlẹ̀ Ọsun.
Diẹ lára àwọn tí wọ́n fàmì ẹ̀yẹ dá lọ́lá náà lati rí alábojútó àgbà ìjọ ìràpadà Kristi, Àlúfà Enoch Adeboye, olórí àwọn ọmọ ológun tẹ́lẹ̀, Ọ̀gágun fèyìntì Alani Akinrinade, Gómìnà ìpínlẹ̀ Ọsun nígbàkanrí, Olóyè Bisi Akande àti àwọn Ọ̀jìnì amòfin Yusuf Ali, àti Gboyega Awomoolọ tí wọ́n jẹ́ amòfin àgbà nílẹ̀ yí eyin SAN.
Nígbàtí ó ńsọ̀rọ̀ níbi ètò náà Gómìnà ìpínlẹ̀ Osun, Adegboyega Oyetọla rọ àwọn ènìyàn láti sisẹ́ pọ̀ láifi ìyapa ọ̀rọ̀ òsèlú wọn se ke orílẹ̀ èdè yí báà léè gòkè àgbà nítorípé àgbájọwọ́ ni a fi ńsànyà.
Gómìnà Oyetọla tó ní ètò náà se kókó wa dúró ìsẹ́jú kan fún Gómìnà alágbádá àkọ́kọ́ nípínlẹ̀ náà, olóògbe Isiaka Adeleke ti wa ní ó se pàtàkì láti mọrírì àwọn tí wọ́n ti kópa ribiribinípinlẹ̀ Ọsun.
Nígbàtí ó ńsọ̀rọ̀ níbi ètò náà, Aláàfin ti ìlú ọ̀yọ́, Ọba Lamidi Adeyẹmi gbóríyìn fún ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ Ọsun fún fífàmì ẹ̀yẹ dá àwọn èèyàn lọ́lá nítorípé yio múkí àwọn èèyàn túbọ̀ máà lẹ́mi ìfara ẹni jìn nípáàpajùlọ àwọn ọ̀dọ́.
South-West governors and some first class traditional rulers in the Southwest zone of the country are currently holding a security meeting at the Executive Chamber of the Agodi Government Secretariat, Ibadan.
The meeting which commenced at about 3 pm has in attendance the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun and the host governor – Mr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Among the traditional rulers that are participating in the meeting are the Ooni of Ife – Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo – Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Akarigbo of Remo – Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom – Fedrick Akinrutan; Olubadan of Ibadan – Oba Saliu Adetunji and Olugbon of Orilegbon – Oba Francis Alao.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the South-West – Mr David Folawuyo, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police – Ngozi Onadeko and other heads of security agencies in Oyo State are also in attendance.
The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari – Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector General of Police – Mohammed Adamu and the Director General of the Department of State Security, DSS – Yusuf Bishi could not make the journey to attend the meeting due to bad weather.
It is expected that the chairman of the Southwest governors’ forum, Governor Akeredolu will brief journalists at the end of the meeting.
Residents of Oyo State have been urged to elect leaders that would serve and protect their interest in the forth coming Local Government council elections.
His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (111), made the call, while receiving members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, who were on a courtesy call to his palace.
The monarch, who affirmed the importance of having democractically elected leaders at the local level, harped on the availability of appropriate data particularly voter’s register on election day to attain credibile polls.
The royal father thereafter called for adequate security during the polls to ensure massive participation by eligible voters .
His imperial majesty maintained that traditional rulers remain major mobilizers for inclusive poll .
He therefore promised to mobilise and sentisize the people in his domain on behalf of the commission for the progress of the state.
“Caretaker committee has no business in the management of local government affairs, but democratically elected leaders” “The issue of data and security have to been put into consideration for successful polls” “Traditional rulers are mobilizers and moderators in this regards , we will mobilize for the commission and people will respond vividly , but government should endeavour to put in place adequate security for the exercise”
The Alaafin opined that members of the commission would put necessary measures in place to prevent multiple voting and other vices, urging them to leave good legacy for the state and thier respective families while in office.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, represented by one of the commissioners, Comrade Afees Adeniyi, re- affirmed the readiness of the commission to remain truthful to the people of the state.
Traditional rulers in Oke Ogun are of Oyo State have been commended for their determination in the pursuance of developmental projects in the area specifically towards the approval of Federal University of Agriculture by the federal government.
Gegun of Ayetoro Oke, Oba Najeemdeen Afolabi gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen.
Oba Afolabi noted that traditional rulers in Oke Ogun are united in their resolve for the growth and development of the region.
The monarch applauded the efforts of the state, Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde in the establishment of Amotekun Security Outfit.
He also commended the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for his leadership role as a custodian of Yoruba culture and the preservation of its heritage.
Oba Afolabi submitted that traditional rulers have the responsibility of protecting their jurisdiction and avoid taking steps beyond their statutory functions.
Gegun of Ayetoro Oke emphasized that Obas in the past had traditional means of securing their territories without the use of physical weapons.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC) as the highest advisory committee in ensuring a safe and secured state.
The advisory committee comprising 22 members and chaired by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was inaugurated at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde stressed the need for traditional rulers to also play strategic roles in ensuring community policing permeate the grassroots.
The governor while expressing confidence in the composition of the advisory council expressed other plans for the establishment of a mobile police squadron in Oyo town.
Earlier, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Leye Oyebade who called support for community policing said it relied on the principle of public partnership, inter/multi collaboration and intelligence gathering.
In a remark, the chairman of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi said the concept of involving everyone remains a better approach pledging that the committee would deliver on its mandate.
Igbo-ora one of the towns that make up Ibarapa land in Oyo state has played
host to people from all walks of life for this year’s edition of World
Twins festival .
Despite the downpour, Methodist Grammar School playground, venue
of the festival was a sight to behold with over six hundred sets of
twins in attendance.
In his welcome address, the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye implored
the state government to make Igboora a tourist centre. Describing twins as
special gifts, he said the town is noted for producing about 158 sets of
twins per 1000 children born, adding that nearly every household in Igboora has
multiple births.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state who was represented by
Dr. Saubana Muraina, member of the House of Representatives promised to
encourage and promote tourism in Oyo state.
The Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in his remarks advised people to eat more of local delicacies as they are nourishing and also responsible for the high production of twins in Igboora .
