Alaafin: We Have Not Approved New King – Oyo Govt. 

 

The Oyo State Government has denied viral reports claiming that it has approved or recognised anyone as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

 

The throne of Alaafin of Oyo became vacant after the death of the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

 

The monarch passed on at 83, in April, last year, after spending 52 years on the throne.

 

Meanwhile, some speculations went viral that one of the contestants for the Alaafin of Oyo stool, Lukman Gbadegesin, had been appointed as the new monarch.

 

But responding on behalf of the state government on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, insisted that the selection process of the new monarch is ongoing.

 

Olatunbosun, in a chat with Vanguard Newspaper urged residents to desist from spreading such rumour.

 

His words: “As far as we are concerned, we must follow due process. The moment the process is completed, we will make it public.The death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has been announced by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

 

The governor said in a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, that the traditional ruler’s death was a major loss to the state, Nigeria, and the Yoruba race.

 

Oba Adeyemi’s death was a personal loss for him, he said, adding that he was a devoted royal father and a respectable leader who gave his all to make Oyo State and Nigeria betteI have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III,” Makinde said.

 

The governor expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom, and the entire Yoruba race, saying Alaafin’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful. He also prayed to God to grant repose to the departed monarch’s soul.

 

He claimed that Oyo State had lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin had become as a result of his high-octane mastery of Yoruba history, politics, and national development.