Evil or the good men do live after them best captures the latest news on the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi who passed away on April 22, 2022 at 84 years.
Oba Adeyemi was the longest-ruling Alaafin in history having reigned for 51 years during which he made a landmark as a revered and feared traditional ruler who promoted Oyo as arguably the nucleus of Yoruba cultural renaissance with its annual Sango and Oranmiyan festivals.
On Sunday, March 1, management of the Silverbird Communication, a Lagos-based broadcating organisation honoured Oba Adeyemi with “Man of the Year” award in recognition of the enduring legacy he left behind.
Audience inside the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, were very attentive while watching a short documentary which highlighted life and times of Oba Adeyemi, who was reputed for his extemporal speeches before such an elite gathering.
His heir apparent, Aremo Israel Adeyemi, during his acceptance speech on behalf of the family, did what looked like a re-enactment of his father’s act. Aside the face and frame, which were a split of his father, his diction and vocal sound also showed the Alaafin’s blood in his veins.
The legal practitioner recalled, “When our father was alive, he contributed immensely to the development and upliftment of the traditional institution. He brought integrity, prestige, honour and respect.” He also described his father as charismatic whom, he said, “is happy upthere.”
In company of Aremo Adeyemi to the ceremony were his siblings: Princess Folashade Adeyemi, Princess Adeyemi Tabiat Agaba, Princess Adejumoke Adeyemi Adetunji, Princess Adeyemi Adetutu Akhigbemen and Prince Akeem Adeyemi, a member of the House of Representatives.
Folashade Adeyemi expressed reservation about life after her father, especially the alleged certain indifference to his accomplishments he had recorded.
“Despite some individuals failing to acknowledge your fifty-two years of service on the throne, Sliverbird (TV) Communication has taken note of your remarkable dedication. Whether it is appreciated or not, your life and reign have become a benchmark,” she stated.
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