The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, joined his ancestors on Friday night, bringing an end to his 52-year-old illustrious reign on the throne.

Aged 83, Oba Adeyemi, who died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, was the longest serving Alafin of Oyo.

As the public await funeral arrangements for Iku baba yeye as he was fondly called, here are eight highlights of Adeyemi’s life and time.

Birth

Oba Adeyemi was born on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House and was a member of the House of Oranmiyan. Iku baba yeye, whose mother, Ibironke, died when he was young, was the son of late Raji Adeniran Adeyemi who became Alaafin in 1945.

King at 31

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III ascended the throne of Alafin in 1970 at a young age of 31 shortly after the end of the civil war. He became the king when Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo was the military governor of Oyo State.

Married to 13 wives

Adeyemi had 11 wives, the senior among them being Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, and usually attended most events with her or with one of the 12 junior wives.

His other wives include Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, And Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.

Fathered over 20 children

Alafin is succeeded by more than 20 children and grand children.


Boxer

One notable attribute of the late king was his love for boxing, a ‘skill’ he had dramatically displayed in public. He was said to be a boxer before ascending the throne.

SOURCE:
https://www.instablognews.com/2022/04/alaafin-of-oyo-dies-at-84-oba-lamidi.html?m=1

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