*visits late monarch’s family in Oyo palace
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday said the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was an encyclopedia of Yoruba’s traditional history, who had a solution to every problem.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch at the Aafin (Palace), Oyo, the governor disclosed that though Oba Adeyemi lived long and reigned for 52 years, it was still painful that he had to go at this time.
According to Governor Makinde, Oba Adeyemi lived a life that had great impact on humanity, adding that the late Kabiyesi’s impact transcended the shores of Oyo State to all parts of the federation
“No matter how old the Alaafin was, we would not have wanted him to join his ancestors. When he ascended the throne of his forefathers, I was very young. But because of the way Kabiyesi was to us, we would have loved to have him with us forever if it was possible”, he said.
The governor added, “for that, we are sad but we are also happy because Kabiyesi lived long on the throne of his forefathers. Secondly, since we heard about the news of his death, throughout yesterday, I received calls from the Presidency and a lot of my colleagues. Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Kano have called me personally”.
“What this means is that Kabiyesi lived a fulfilled and impactful life not only in Oyo State but throughout the federation. That is why those who are mourning with us could also feel the impact. “At this point that we are mourning the passage of Baba, they are also identifying with us.”
Governor Makinde declared that Alaafin’s death has left a huge void that would be difficult to fill, saying: “In Oyo State, we have perhaps lost the last human encyclopedia of our traditional history, because several times when I visited him and told him the kind of problem we had, he had solution to everything. “
The governor stated, “so, it is a very difficult void to fill. In fact, I don’t know who else we can go and meet, who can replace Kabiyesi.When I visited him in 2015 and told him about my ambition, he frankly told me it was not going to work out due to one reason or the other and, at last, I failed but I learnt certain things. Not many people will tell one the truth. Kabiyesi told me it would not work and it never worked out.”.
” For all of us in Oyo State, it is a difficult period and what we need more is prayers. All the good things Baba wished to come to pass, may God give us the wisdom to actualise them. And I want to promise everybody that, as a government, we will do everything possible to give him a befitting burial rite.”
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The governor noted ” for that, we are sad but we are also happy because Kabiyesi lived long on the throne of his forefathers.Secondly, since we heard about the news of his death, throughout yesterday, I received calls from the Presidency and a lot of my colleagues. Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Kano have called me personally. What this means is that Kabiyesi lived a fulfilled and impactful life not only in Oyo State but throughout the federation. That is why those who are mourning with us could also feel the impact. “At this point that we are mourning the passage of Baba, they are also identifying with us.”
The governor stressed that his government will do everything possible to give Oba Adeyemi a befitting burial, saying, ” Alaafin’s death has left a huge void that would be difficult to fill”.
“In Oyo State, we have perhaps lost the last human encyclopedia of our traditional history, because several times when I visited him and told him the kind of problem we had, he had solution to everything.
So, it is a very difficult void to fill. In fact, I don’t know who else we can go and meet, who can replace Kabiyesi. For all of us in Oyo State, it is a difficult period and what we need more is prayers. All the good things Baba wished to come to pass, may God give us the wisdom to actualise them. And I want to promise everybody that, as a government, we will do everything possible to give him a befitting burial rite.”
