Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams on Saturday dispelled the rumours making the rounds in the media that the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had been buried according to the muslim rites.

Iba Gani Adams in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi,stated that the transition and burial rites of the foremost Yoruba monarch is purely traditional and not religious.

The Yoruba generalissimo added that prior to the announcement of Kabiesi’s death on Saturday, the Isoro and the Oyo Messi had earlier observed the core traditional rites which,he said, went through the night and ended till 11 am today before Bashorun and the families of the Alaafin notified the Oyo state governor,Engr.Seyi Makinde,who later announced officially.

While warning those attaching religious meaning to the burial of the Alaafin of Oyo to desist from spreading lies,Adams insisted that the Oyo Messi and the Isoro had done the normal traditional rites, before the formal announcement, adding that the final process of the rites would be done tonight.

“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land,I think it is part of my duty and responsibility to set the record straight, especially, on pertinent issues that had to do with the burial of the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi”,

“The late Alaafin’s respect for all the religions,either muslim or christian or even the traditionalist should not be misconstrued for anything.

“The Oyo muslims community led by the chief Imam of Oyo,Sheilk Masud Adabayo Ajokideru did the prayer on the remains for seven minutes to pay their last respects for the late monarch before handing over the remains to the Isoro for further observation of the final traditional rites that will lead to the final burial at Ibara tonight.That was the truth and nothing but the truth”,

“Alaafin is not an ordinary king and the Oyo messi,the Isoro and the Sango devotees cannot but complete the final traditional rites”,

“So the impression in the public domain that Kabiesi, the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was buried according to muslims rites was untrue and it was at variance with the core tradition of the ancient town of Oyo and Yoruba traditional institution in general”

In history,the burial of foremost Yoruba monarch like the Alaafin
must not be done in the open and those that should know knew quite well that the Isoro and the Oyo Messi must observe all the rites and necessary rituals before the burial”.

Adams, however,urged the Oyo people to uphold the core beliefs and practice of Yoruba culture and tradition, saying the only institution that remains sacred in Yoruba land is the traditional institution and the respect accorded to the traditional institution must be sustained with everything that matters.

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President Muhammadu Buhari will in May reveal his choice among those aiming to be his successor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, a presidential source revealed.

According to the source, the President is critically studying the aspirants, their attitudes, actions, backgrounds and others before either making his pronouncement on the issue or directing his trusted aides on whom to queue behind among them.

Some of the aspirants, who have made their intentions known to run for the presidency are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; a former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; his Ebonyi State counterpart, David Umahi; a former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu; and an ex-governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

Other rumoured to have presidential ambition in the party but have yet to declare their intentions include the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Buhari had expressed fear that his favourite presidential candidate might be “eliminated” if he revealed the identity.

He said this during an exclusive interview with Channels Television in January, while noting that he had no special interest in the 2023 presidential election.

“It is not my problem,” he replied when asked about the next presidential election.

Native Reporters

President Muhammad Buhari has ondoled with the Government and people of Oyo State on the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

This was contained in a statement made available by the President via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“His 52-year reign was remarkable in many ways, covering major historic transitions in the country, and witnessing transformations in his domain.

“Most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity, while also promoting values of peace and stability.

“I cannot but note his 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.

“I extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, including in sports where he left another footprint.

“I pray that the Almighty God will receive his soul, and comfort the family he left behind”.

Just after Islamic janazah prayers held on late Alaafin by Islamic clerics, the traditionalists have taken over the emains of Alaafin to Baara to perform the final traditional rites.

It was learnt that Alaafin to be buried by 9pm according to traditional rite. Curfew to be declared by 7pm to 9pm in Oyo town while the final rituals ongoing.

Details later.

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Former Governor of Ogun State and senator represnting Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the passage of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,the Alaafin of Oyo.

In a starement personnaly signed by him,Senator Amosun described Oba Adeyemi as a human library with remarkable knowledge of the history of Yorubaland and Nigeria.He said it was a personal loss to him because Oba Adeyemi was his counselor and adviser.

” I commiserate with the Government and good people of Oyo State and the entire Yorubaland as our revered traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Adeyemi III,the Alaafin of Oyo, joins his ancestors at the age of 83 years.

The exit of Oba Adeyemi III is a great loss to all of us in Yorubaland and indeed, the whole of Nigeria. Oba Adeyemi was a symbol and custodian of the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba traditional institution as well as a source of inspiration for the entire Yorubaland.

Kabiyesi was a cherished leader and a respected Elder Statesman who demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment towards the unity, cohesion, harmony and continued development of the Oyo empire, the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria. At a personal level,I have lost a counsellor and adviser whose wisdom and courage are not in surplus supply in this clime.

It is on record that Oba Adeyemi’s 51-year reign as the Alaafin of Oyo brought about all-around development to the Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.

He was a detribalised monarch who epitomised and championed peaceful co-existence and unity of the people.He was a human library of Yoruba and Nigeria’s chequered history.

I comisserate with His Excellenct, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Governor, and the good people, of Oyo State on the passage of Kabiyesi.

My heart also goes out to the family of Kabiyesi and the entire good people of Oyo. For them, Kabiyesi has left a huge shoe that will be difficult to fill.

It is my prayer that the Almighty Allah (SWT) will grant our Kabiyesi Aljannah Firdaus and grant his family, the people of Oyo and Oyo State as well as the entire Yorubaland the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

In a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, the governor declared that the death of the traditional ruler was a huge loss to the state, Nigeria, and the Yoruba race.

He described Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, adding that he was an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater.

“I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III,” Makinde said.

The governor, who said Alaafin’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful, condoled with the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom, and the entire Yoruba race and prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed monarch.

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I visited Baba Alaafin last week when my mind got attracted to him. We had a private jolly talks. We were both happy and joyous as I drank from his wealth of history. At our meeting, we scheduled an event for early next month (May) here in Osun State. As God would have it, I got the news of his demise this morning. But who dare question God?

The death of Alaafin Iku Baba Yeye, Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola was a monumental loss to the traditional institution. His vacuum is most likely irreplaceable. His death is no doubt the end of an era. He was a force and a true, responsible father to the Yoruba nation.

Even at death, I will continue to adorn him by promoting his achievement. His love and loyalty to Yorubaland was never questionable. He served the land wholeheartedly. Till his death, he was still serving.

May your depart be a rest as I pray God should forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljana Firdaus.

My condolences to the Adeyemis, the Oyomesi, Oyo Township, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Alli Ibraheem, Chief Press Secretary to Oluwo

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Alase Lori ORISHA, Telu I.

It is a tradition in Yorubaland not to announce the death of traditional rulers until the rituals are done.

The news of Alaafin’s death and the counter statement from the Office of Media to Alaafin should not be new to Yoruba sons and daughters as such should be expected on the demise of a foremost monarch.

ODUDUWA NEWS has been reliably confirmed that Alaafin of Oyo, oba lamidi Adeyemi is dead. He was 83 years old and the longest reigning alaafin ever, ruled for 52 year

He has been confirmed dead, in further research, we found out he died at Afe babalola hospital Ado Ekiti and Bashorun Akinade Ayoola of Oyo town on his way currently to inform Gov Makinde to announce officially.

Seyi Makinde, the executive Governor of Oyo State is only authorised to announce the death and shall do so once the Palace officially informs him.