By As earlier reported, it has been confirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo, Ona Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi has joined his ancestors. He died at the age of 83, although neither the palace nor the state government are yet to make official statements.
The Iku Baba Yeye’s demise makes it the fourth death to be recorded in the Oyo State Traditional Council in less than a year.
On December 12, 2021, the Gbagun Ruling House of Ogbomoso announced the passing of the paramount ruler of the town, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagubgbade III, the Soun of Ogbomosho. He died at the age of 95 years after 48 years in the throne. A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the United States, Afolabi Ghandi Olatoye has since been named his replacement.
The Soun’s death was followed less than a month later by the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji who joined his ancestors on the 2nd of January, 2022.
The 41st Olubadan, according to the Palace, died at the University College Hospital (UCH) at the age of 93. Late Oba Adetunji has since been succeeded by Dr. Lekan Balogun according to the rites of the town.
Also, only days ago, Oyo state recorded another death of a traditional ruler with the demise of Oba Abdulyekeen Ayinla Oladipupo. The late monarch was the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, a traditional settlement under Ogbomosho zone of the state. The late Oba who was the Chairman of Oriire Traditional Council died after 16 years on the throne.
The latest death is that of the Alaafin of Oyo who has now been confirmed dead after over five decades on the throne.
These are really tough times for the Oyo state traditional institutions.
