The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamide Adeyemi has died.
He died at the age of 83 years in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.
According to a palace source, the remains of the top Yoruba monarch were brought to Oyo town in the early hours of Saturday, and traditional rites has begun.
The late monarch ruled for 52 years before his death, making him the longest-ruling Alaafin.
It was gathered that the monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he died on late Friday night.
Also, a source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already obtained.
By tradition, the head of the Oyo Mesi, Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, would take over pending the appointment of a new Alaafin.
The Basorun is also required to inform the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, before an official statement.
His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died. All happened in less than five months.
Before his death, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938, in the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.
He was crowned in 1970 after he succeeded Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
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