The Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, J.P has lent his voice to join other Nigerians to pay tribute to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III who joined his ancestors on Friday night describing him as one of the greatest monarch who towed the path of unity and one Nigeria in his lifetime.

Late Alaafin of Oyo according to a statement by Chief Ejidike was a detribalised king who used his position to ensure peace and love among all the tribes in Nigeria even as he accepted the revered appointment as Chancellor of Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto as well as University of Maiduguri a position he occupied before his demise.

The sports philanthropist, Ejidike recalled his visit to the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in his palace where he had a commitment to stage a befitting championship in his honour to further unearth budding talents in Oyo State but death has dealt a big blow as Alaafin never lived to witness the game.

“What attracted me to Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III was his spirit of sportsmanship; a keen sportsman who chose boxing and maintained his physical fitness till death. Even at 82 years, he was bouncing and strong. He never discriminated against any tribe or religion. He was a true and patriotic Nigerian. As one of the foresmost monarch in the country, he used his exalted stool to stabilize the nation. I have great respect for his power of intellect particularly his sound knowledge of history”, Ejidike recalled.

He urged the government at various levels to give more attention to the traditional institutions as the monarchs are the custodians of our traditions, customs and culture which are morally inclined.

Ejidike condoled Oyo State government and people of Oyo State; and, natives of the ancient town of Oyo as he prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Chief Sunday Dare has mourned the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The Monarch joined his ancestors on Friday night at the age of 83. He rose to the throne at the age of 31 and had a blissful rule for 52 years.

The Minister described the demise of Oba Adeyemi III as a huge loss, not only to the people of Oyo State but to Nigeria as a whole.

According to Dare, “Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III was a very committed sports lover who promoted boxing and actively participated in it.

“He was a youth friendly leader who accommodated everyone without discriminating. He will be sorely missed.”

The Palace of Oyo has confirmed the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

The spokesperson for the late Oba, Mr Bode Durojaye, confirmed the death in a terse response to an inquiry by our correspondent.

He said, “Alaafin is dead. Details in due course.”

It was gathered that the octogenarian monarch died on Friday night in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital after a brief illness.

Sources at the palace confirmed the death of the traditional ruler to our correspondent on Saturday morning.

Sources at the palace confirmed the death of the traditional ruler to our correspondent on Saturday morning.

Source: https://amiloadednews.com/2022/04/just-in-palace-confirms-alaafin-of-oyos-death.html

As the drums are rolled out in celebration of the 50th year anniversary of the coronation of the Alafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olanrewaju Adeyemi III, Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has described the Alafin of Oyo Kingdom as a unifier and custodian of a rich cultural value.
According to Mr. Dare

“On behalf of the good people of Oyo state and Nigerians at large, I felicitate with his Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Olanrewaju Adeyemi 111 on the special occasion of your 50th year Coronation.

“Your reign has not only brought stability, progress and development , it has fostered unity, love and hope in Oyo State and Nigeria in general. Your fatherly role, wisdom and peaceful disposition has been quite inspiring in the last 50 years of your reign. You are not just a custodian of our rich cultural values and tradition, but a lover of humanity and consummate sports man. Your life is indeed very exemplary not only to the old generation, but to the Youth who have alot to learn from your life of selfless service.

“As you continue to lead the people of our Great Kingdom, May God bless and sustain you in Good health ” Mr. Dare concluded.

Oba Adeyemi emerged as the Alafin in 1970, but was corononated on the 14th January, 1971 by the Military Administrator of General Adeyinka Adebayo.
Born on October 15th 1938, the Alafin remains one of the longest reigning Monarchs in Yoruba Land.

Signed

Media Office to the  Minister of  Youth and Sports Development