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Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Dead at 83

Notable Yoruba monarch and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is dead. He passed away yesterday, Friday, April 22, at the age of 83.

According to palace sources, the oba was sick for a while and was being treated at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, where he died. 

His remains were brought back to Oyo Town earlier this morning, Saturday, April 23.

By the way, arrangements were said to have been underway to fly him abroad in the company of some of his wives for medical attention — but death intruded. 

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the third from the Alowolodu Ruling House, was crowned Alaafin of Oyo on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I of the Agunloye Ruling House. 

While he held the stool of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. 

Oba Adeyemi ruled for 52 years, making him the longest-serving Alaafin in Oyo history. 

With his death, the title of Alaafin will return to the Agunloye Ruling House. 

In the interim, Yusuf Akinade, the Bashorun of Oyo and head of the “Oyo Mesi,” will lead Oyo town until a new Alaafin is installed.

Condolences have been pouring in from around Nigeria since the news of the death broke.

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