Culture

Conference of Oke-Ogun Obas and Chiefs Mourn Alaafin

By Web News 1256

The Conference of Oke-Ogun Obas and Chiefs have commiserated with the immediate family of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the rest of the Oyo Kingdom over the death of the revered monarch.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Conference, Oloogunebi Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr Abdulganiy Salawudeen Adekunle on Saturday and made available to newsmen, the body claimed that the loss of Oba Adeyemi was not only of the Yoruba people, but Africa in its entirety.

The Oke-Ogun Obas also condoled with the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the entire citizens of the state over Alaafin’s death.

The statement called on the Nigerian government to start the process of honoring Oba Adeyemi with a national monument as they said he was a pivotal point in the efforts at sustaining African and Yoruba tradition and culture.

“Our father is gone, we are in mourning mood, it is time to look ahead and work better on those things he spent the greater part of his life to build and maintain in terms of African and Yoruba culture and tradition, he was an encyclopedia of African history and culture especially, that of the Yorubas. He was of course history and culture personified”.

“Our governments should start the process of honoring him with a national monument, he deserved it alive and especially when he has passed on, I know these values he held close to his chest will not be same anymore”.

“Some people were calling me and asking that it was heavy to believe that Baba who was popularly called ‘Iku’ could die like that and I told them that the name was just an appellation which never spared anyone from tasting death, but he lived centuries within the time we counted for him, I still believe his legacies will continue to live after him”.

“The Oke-Ogun Conference of Obas and Chiefs use this occasion to condole with the children of Baba and the immediate family, as well as our Governor for this great loss, Oyo State people, Nigerian people and the entire Africa will miss Alaafin.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Culture

Oba Adeyemi was a fearless monarch – Owa Obokun, Alara

By Web News 1611

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle-Aromolaran has a described the demise Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as a devastating shock.

Oba Adekunle-Aromolaran said the late Oba Adeyemi was one of the surviving direct sons of Oduduwa who was fearless and had no time for loose talk.

The paramount ruler of Ijesaland noted that he was not aware of the development until the younger brother of the Alaafin, Arch Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu broke the devastating news to him on phone this afternoon.

Praying God to grant the deceased first class Oba eternal rest, Oba Adekunle-Aromolaran remarked that the vacuum created in the nation’s traditional institution would be difficult to fill in a short while.

Isaac Haastrup

Oba Adeyemi’s reign was glorious – Oba Windapo

A traditional ruler, Alara of Ara kingdom in Osun state, Oba Olubayo Windapo has described the reign of the late Alaafin in Oyo as a glorious one.

He stated this while reacting to the transition of the first class Yoruba monarch.

Oba Windapo noted that the late monarch made a remarkable impact, leaving some enviable legacies for Oyo town and the traditional institutions.

“Let’s thank God for his glorious, well spent life, he has reigned gloriously. He has left so many legacies for Oyo Township and for the institution of Obas in Nigeria. He has been a royal father that has kept the tradition and culture of the Yoruba. I pray for his eternal repose.” 

Oba Windapo said the Alaafin kept the Yoruba culture and values while praying that God comfort people of Oyo Town.

Adedayo Adelowo

Culture

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was a patriotic, people-loving monarch – Obasanjo

By Web News 1541

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as a symbol of a nation’s epic struggle for self-discovery and self-actualisation.

Chief Obasanjo in a condolence to the Oyo State governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, stated that the late highly revered monarch was a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo greeting Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

The former president said late Oba Adeyemi lived with a great faith in a united Nigeria, noting that he stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs and he was a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.

Chief Obasanjo noted that the reign of the late monarch transformed Oyo Town to the modern city that it has become and as well his contribution to nation-building leading to his conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic and other honorary degrees received from some Nigerian and international educational institutions.

The former president who is presently in Ethiopia condoled with the Oyo State governor, the family of Oba Adeyemi and the entire people of Oyo on the transition of the monarch.

Wale Oluokun