While solemnly marking the eighth day of the transition of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo has described the death as devastating, coming, according to him, when it was least expected.
Oba Akamo said he was more shocked given his last contact with Oba Adeyemi in a message, which he personally signed and sent to him few weeks to his final hour at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti on April 22, 2022.
“One of my chiefs brought the message and it was the same chief I sent to deliver my reply ahead of my plan to go and see him and discuss more about the message. I am not sure Baba got to read my reply before he passed away because I was told he had been in the hospital for some days. That is why the thing still looks like a dream but a week after means he has returned to his ancestors to where all of us shall go one day or the other,” he noted.
Oba Akamo disclosed his soft spot for Oba Adeyemi, saying he was a father figure to him, in terms of his regular guide on traditional institution and public administration, adding that he was always responding to his calls and invites to his occasions in Itori, regardless of distance to Oyo.
“Baba was at my 15th coronation anniversary held on April 6. 2019. He was also here at my 60th birthday which I celebrated on October 1, 2020. He could have sent a delegation and I would still have appreciated him but he came and gave me the honour which gladdens my heart till date.
“One would say that such a father should stay with us for a longer period but there is nothing we could do to stop him when his time was up. I am happy that he lived a life of fulfillment in all ramifications as the longest reigning Alaafin in history of Oyo from Alaafin Oranmiyan. I pray to God to repose his soul,” he remarked.
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