The Conference of Oke-Ogun Obas and Chiefs has commiserated with the immediate family of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 and the rest of the Oyo kingdom over the death of the revered monarch.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Conference, Oba Abdulganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi (Ajinese 1), the Aseyin of Iseyin 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 ‘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 honouring 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.
The statement said: “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 honouring 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 the same anymore.”
“Some people were calling me and asking that it was heavy to believe that Baba who was popularly called ‘Iku’ could die as 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 entire Africa will miss Alaafin.”
Likewise, the Okere of Saki, HRM Ọba Khalid Olabisi Ilugbemidepo also send his condolences to the royal family, Oyo indigenes and the good people of Oyo State at large.
The royal father stated that “The nation will profoundly miss your unwavering service and dignified presence. May God provide strength to the Royal Family during this difficult time.
May his majesty rest in peace.”
