Hearing of the demise of the great monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, who reigned majestically over the great world renowned Oyo Empire for over five decades, was indeed a shocking piece of news and a sad loss to the entire nation and the Yoruba race all over the world.
Many of us were little kids when this Alaafin, popularly known as “Iku Baba Yeye”, ascended the throne of his forefathers in the early 70s, and we had watched and learnt a lot from his dexterity and his incomparable knowledge of the history. His oratory skill was unrivaled and his boldness in addressing issues of national importance cannot be discountenanced.
He was not just a king, he was an amateur boxer who practised even in his old age from time to time, a charming man to his numerous women and acquaintances alike, a great dancer to traditional drumming, a craft man with Yoruba words and proverbs and a very courageous king who would not shy away from battle and always ready to confront them headlong.
Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III was an encyclopedia of Yoruba history and an oracle on matters of the traditional institution as it pertains to Yoruba land. His death signals the end of a glorious era in Yoruba land that we may never witness in its entirety again.
I thank God that I encountered him on several occasions and took time to visit him personally to tap from his in-depth knowledge which he willingly bestowed on me even giving me several rare historical books to study which have helped to improve my own knowledge of Yoruba history.
I pray fervently that God forgives his sins and grants him eternal rest while praying that God grants his immediate family, the people of his domain Oyo town and the entire Yoruba race the fortitude to bear this great loss as we may never see his kind again.
Oba Arowotawaya II
The Elerinmo of Erinmo land
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