Today, I found myself thinking about the late Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́, Ọba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and suddenly, my heart grew heavy. How does one describe a man who was more than a king, more than a custodian of culture? A man who was the living embodiment of royalty, heritage, and pride. The thought of his passing still feels like a pill too bitter to swallow.
On April 22, 2022, the sun bowed its head over Ọ̀yọ́ as Ọba Adeyemi drew his last breath at the age of 83. And with him, an entire era of grace, grandeur, and royalty walked into eternity. The palace bells tolled in anguish, the town fell silent, and even the birds seemed to mourn the passing of a monarch whose reign shaped generations.
Ọba Lamidi Adeyemi was not just a king; he was a towering Ìrókò under whose shade tradition flourished. Regal, articulate, and strikingly handsome, he carried the weight of over fifty years on the throne with the elegance of a young prince. Even in old age, he walked with the bounce of a man decades younger — his mind sharp as a blade, his words as wise as the elders of old. He spoke history fluently, carried himself like a god among men, and ruled with a presence that could hush storms.
When Ọba Adeyemi stood, the world noticed. His brilliance wasn’t confined to Nigeria; it reached the ears of monarchs in Saudi Arabia, the UK, Morocco, and Ghana. He was the Yorùbá nation’s philosopher-king, a bridge between past glory and present reality. His throne wasn’t just a seat of power; it was a lighthouse for culture, justice, and pride.
It’s hard to forget the way he wore his crown not with arrogance, but with a deep sense of responsibility. Like a general on the battlefield of tradition, he defended the customs of the Yorùbá people fiercely, yet with the softness of a father. Ọ̀yọ́ under his rule was not just a city; it was a living museum of pride, discipline, and dignity.
But even the brightest stars must return to the sky.
And so, a new dawn broke on January 13, 2025, when Ọba Abimbola Hakeem Owoade was named the 46th Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́. And on April 5, 2025, the young, intelligent, and forward-thinking monarch was crowned, a fresh wind blowing through the ancient palace halls.
Ọba Owoade represents the hope of a new generation, one that honours the past while building the future. He is the calm after the storm, the morning after a long night. With his modern outlook, firm roots in tradition, and passion for progress, he steps onto the throne not just as a king, but as a servant-leader ready to lead Ọ̀yọ́ into a future worthy of its ancient name.
His reign holds the promise of revival, innovation, and deeper unity. Already, the spirit of Ọba Adeyemi seems to hover behind him– guiding, watching, blessing.
May Ọ̀yọ́ town flourish under this new chapter. May the people of Ọ̀yọ́ walk tall in dignity and peace. May the land of our forefathers bloom with justice and prosperity.
May the soul of Ọba Lamidi Adeyemi III rest in eternal splendor, and may Ọba Abimbola Hakeem Owoade reign with wisdom, strength, and divine favour. From the palaces of Nigeria to the pages of history, may his name rise in honour.
Published on June 28, 2025
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