From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III has joined his Ancestors at the age of 83.
Ọba Adeyemi was said to have departed around 11PM on Friday night.
The first class monarch reigned for 52 years and departed at the age of 83.
It was gathered that Alaafin Adeyemi, the third, from the Alowodu Ruling House, joined his ancestors at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, where he was said to have gone for routine medical check-up.
According to the tradition of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi, Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, is expected to take over pending the enthronement of a new Alaafin.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Akinade.
The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began.
The 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.
The departed first class Oba was highly revered for his knowledge of history especially, the pre and post colonial era.
He was also one time Boxer with further interest in local ,national and international affairs.
Before he passes on,he made peace with the Ile Ife traditional institution , the Source,with which he fought many supremacy battles.
He is expected to be buried according to muslim rites having practised the religion till he breathed his last.
