Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade has paid tribute to his predecessor Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on the fourth anniversary of his death.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through his director of media and publicity Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade described the late monarch as a ruler who promoted unity and upheld integrity.
Oba Adeyemi III died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
Owoade said the late Alaafin used his position to promote peace and remained consistent in his actions.
“The late Alaafin used his exalted position to move the country back on the track of peace and also maintained his honesty of purpose, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.
He described him as a father figure and said his conduct is worth emulating.
Owoade also spoke about the late monarch’s knowledge of history and public engagement.
“Not only does the late Alaafin impress the knowledgeable audience with his mastery of colonial history, but his speeches usually attracted standing ovations,” he said.
He added that the monarch spoke in both Yoruba and English and held the attention of his audience.
“You just wouldn’t want him to stop. He was a repository of history and knowledge. When he began to talk about events with dates, you would wonder how he remembered them,” he said.
Owoade said Adeyemi contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture and supported unity among the people.
He said the late monarch also advised on national issues and supported peace.
“As one of the longest-reigning royal fathers in Nigeria, the counsel of Oba Adeyemi on national issues cannot be underestimated. He was a strong advocate of peace and unity,” he said.
He added that during his reign, Oyo saw development while traditional values were maintained.
Owoade said the late Alaafin used his position to promote unity across ethnic and religious lines.
He also said the monarch mentored many people and supported community development.
“The contributions of late Alaafin Oba Adeyemi to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture and his efforts toward unity and progress cannot be quantified,” he said.
