REMEMBERING ALAAFIN OLAYIWOLA ADEYEMI 111 (1938 to 2022)

Opinion:

By ‘Lekan Alabi

As the world prepares for the first remembeance anniversary of the immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, (Iku Baba Yeye), Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

It’s going to be a panoramic journey with me to the life and times of the reincarnation of the fire-spitting Alaafin of the old Oyo Empire, Oba Sango Olukoso.

Today’s one-hour live discussion on Oba Adeyemi’s 1st Special Anniversary Tribute between my humble myself, Senior Chief ‘Lekan Alabi, the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland and Ambassador Demola Sanyaolu, the Head of Station and the host on SPACE 90.1FM station, Ibadan, starts at 11.00am.

You will hear details of how the coverage of Ashipa’s reinstatement by me, caused a flak, with due respect, between my humble self and the Royal Father.

I later became an “Omoloju” of Alaafin, which made Kabiyesi defy the bed-rest instructions of his personal doctors and attended my 70th birthday party in Ibadan, three years ago, among other public/private demonstrations of affection by Kabiyesi.

A copy of the programme whereby Alaafin Adeyemi 111 pardoned and re- instated the late suspended High Chief Amuda Olorunosebi, as the Ashipa of Oyo,43 years ago, is reproduced in this post.

I covered the 1980 ceremony for the Nigerian Television, Ibadan (NTV IB), now called NTA IBADAN.

We pray for the continued peaceful repose of the valiant and kind soul of Oba Adeyemi 111. Amen.

Kabiyesi Alaafin Adeyemi 111 was truly regal in all his ways.

*Senior Chief ‘Lekan Alabi, the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland writes in from Ibadan, Oyo State.