By Eniola Olatunji
I woke to a devastating news this Saturday 23rd April 2022 after ministering at a vigil in a Church in Lagos Nigeria that my father, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 has joined his ancestors.
Yes the palace has denied his passage because baba mi Ojo pa sekere, Omo iku ti’ku o gbodo pa, Omo Arun t’arun Ko gbodo se ti waja he like other Yoruba Obas have processes of announcing their death.
Processes of the official announcement of passage of Alaafin of Oy
My father, the longest serving Alaafin ever with 52 years on the throne died at 83. I met baba for the first time on December 26 1971 two days later I lost my biological mother. I was taken to the palace by another father of mine, late Oba Dr. Solomon Babayemi the Olufi of Gbogan who was then a Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. He was on a research project to Oyo.
Developing story: The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi joins ancestors
Ever since baba Alaafin took me as a son and I used to stroll in and out of the palace from the time I had my name as Yomi Kassim even before I cut a niche as a journalist.
Last time I spoke with baba was the first Sunday of year 2022 in the presence of his first son, my charming, quiet and very humble Aremo (first son) and my brother, Prince Isreal Tunde Adeyemi. We talked about Yomi obvious absence in the palace since he became a Pastor which baba was not happy with and documenting the vast knowledge of the Alaafin on traditional and cultural matters.
Developing story: The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi joins ancestors
In those days, whenever baba sends for me and says “let us philosophize”, I am in for long hours of lectures, deep one. That was when I should have documented the vast knowledge but I terribly lacked then an instinct for research.
Baba had a domestic accident two weeks ago when he slipped and we succeeded in keeping that to our chest. His hand was in POP.
I was told he had a medical challenge and was taken to ABUAD Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. Where he reportedly passed on. Again I was careless, this time as a Minister of the Gospel. Four times I dreamt each time of him sitting on gold chair just looking at me. Just looking. Each dream was brief. It is written that God will not do anything except He reveals it unto His prophet. I said but God did not tell me Joseph Eniola Olatunji that baba mi Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III was going. Not that I wanted an impartation but I should know. I had mentioned baba at a vigil that Friday night only for my wife, Dr. Bunmi Olatunji to break the news to me Saturday morning. I was dazed. “Baba mi, Atanda why would you leave without a word for me?”
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I was at a time very close to baba. He took me to Aginju Hall where past Alaafins were buried at midnight. He told me many things that transpired in his reign. Issues like his encounter with his former Basorun of Oyo. His legal tango with former Ooni of Ife which I was present in every court session as a journalist. His lawyer then and till date is the Aare Bamofin of Yoruba land, Chief Afeola Babalola who owns ABUAD.
I tried to speaking with my lovely little brother, Tunde and he added to my pains by not picking my calls. Surely he should be in the palace by tradition for consultations right now. His immediate junior brother, Prince Adesegun Adenrele Adeyemi had switched off his phone. Strangely, Baba’s cousin Alagba Adebanjo Adeyemi who lives around me in my community in Nasarawa State has not heard about the passing of Kabiyesi Atanda Alodu.
I assure you I will not weep, not because Pastors do not cry but this man has tried. He holds the enviable record of being the longest Alaafin ever to reign with 52 years. Though he was an amateur boxer and accountant in his young days in Lagos before he became Alaafin in January 1970 baba was still training as a boxer and also training some young chaps at over 80 years. He had two sets of twins within a week from his younger wives some four years ago. Baba would grin like a school boy when I say “O nlo Oyo, o kanju, Alaafin o re ‘bikan, owe atijo no Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye tI stroll lo London pelu Olori merin, ajepe aiye baba mi Atanda.” Translation. You are going to Oyo in a hurry, take it easy, the Alaafin does not leave the palace. it is an old proverb. The Alaafin now strolls to London with four wives. May the king live long.
Thor. Aafin Oyo will go through process to bury the Alaafin and the Oyo Mesi (King Makers) will choose the next Alaafin. Olori Omoba Oyo (Head of Oyo Princes) Bishop (rtd) Ladigbolu may be the next Alaafin. Please don’t take that to the bank o.
I will not sit on Ashes because I lost a father. May Jehovah strengthen Prince Tunde and his siblings as well as the Ayinbas or Queens.
I am Joseph Eniola Olatunji (Rev.)
Senior Pastor, Divine Vessels Assembly and CEO Patmosmedialine, an online news media.
Never knew you were so close to the palace sir. I Live and work in Oyo. Live in one of Alaafin’s house in Oyo town for close to 12 years.