The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has passed on. He was aged 83 years.
The top Yoruba traditional ruler joined his ancestors early Friday, at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
The late Alaafin’s first son, Prince ‘Tunde, and other children had received the monarch’s remains at Idi-Igba, Oyo town early yesterday.
Oba Adeyemi ascended the throne in 1970 and succeeded Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II. He was crowned on January 14, 1971 and ruled for 52 years, thus becoming the longest-reigning Alaafin.
The late Alaafin of Oyo was born on October 15, 1938 to the late Oba Adeyemi II, the former Alaafin of Oyo who was deposed and sent into exile in 1954.
Mr Bode Durojaye, spokesperson for the late Oba, confirmed the death in a terse response to an inquiry by journalists.