A leading Nigerian Media Conglomerate, The Silverbird group, has given a posthumous award to a leading Yoruba Oba, The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 for his impact of records on culture and his deep knowledge of cultural issues and his immemorial legacies as a custodian of culture.
The group told the gathering of eminent personalities across Nigeria at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos that Alaafin Adeyemi lived to promote the cultural heritage of the Yoruba nation so his award as a custodian of traditional legacies has long been overdue.
Leading six of the biological children of the late Alaafin Adeyemi, His Aremo (first male child and eldest in line), Barrister Pastor Babatunde Adeyemi said there has been global reports that their father contributed immensely to the upliftment of the traditional institution and brought dignity, prestige, glamour and respect to the throne of the Alaafin as well as the traditional institution of the entire Yorubaland.
Surrounded by five other siblings, Aremo Alaafin Adeyemi described their father as a fearless, bold, courageous, embodiment of wisdom and intellect with deep knowledge of Yoruba history, customs and tradition, stressing that Baba Alaafin was a charismatic leader loved by all as he thanked the organizers for the award.
Prince Adeyemi and sibblings
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This reporter as well as many Oyo State Correspondents were regulars at Aafin Oyo in the 80s where the Alaafin will gather us saying LET US PHIOSOPHISE, a tactics to tap from the knowledge of Journalists to enrich his knowledge but unfortunately the living encyclopaedia and residue of Yoruba history never wrote a book neither was any autobiography written by any of the gallery of reporters that surrounded him in his life time.
I recall that Baba arranged with his Aremo that this reporter should come to Oyo town in May to July 2022 to take a look at some of his manuscripts to write a book but unfortunately the dream ended when he passed on in April 2022.
Alaafin Adeyemi who grew up at the Alake’s palace in Abeokuta received a thunderous standing ovation from Cultural Observers from Nigeria and in Diaspora including Nigeria’s first Nobel Laurent, Prof Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka during the first Nigerian Drums Festival in Abeokuta in 2022 when he lectured the audience on the importance and messenger tools of each drums teliing his audience, “Sekere l’oba njo” (Kings dance to Sekere) and Gangan is to pass messages to the kings. He not only gave theories, he gave practicals with his dignified dancing steps.
Alaafin Adeyemi 111 born in Oyo town on 15th October 1938 died at his friend and Private Lawyer’s hospital, The Afe Babalola Teahcing Hospital on 22nd April 2022 after being admitted for some domestic accident that put his arm in POP. He lived for 84 years and reigned for 52 years
Frankly Speaking Alaafin Adeyemi:Filling the vacuum of an uncommon monarch
after his installment as Alaafin on 18th November 1970 that made him the longest Alaafin to reign in the ancient Kingdom of Oyo.
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At the award ceremonies in order of seniority were Prince Israel Babatunde Adeyemi now head of the family; Princess Folashade Adeyemi (a custodian of culture and revivalist of the prominent Sango Festival; Princess Taibat Adeyemi Agaba; Princess Adejumoke Adeyemi Adetunji; Princess Adetutu Adeyemi Akhigbemen and Prince Hon. Akeem Adeyemi of the National Assembly known in political circle as Skimeh.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Out was named the MAN OF THE YEAR 2025 in recognition of his impactful leadership, economic initiatives and development in Cross River State.
Also honored posthumously were Chief Dr. Edwin Clark and Chief Emmanuel Nwanyanwu.
The Siverbird Group is a major Nigerian multimedia and entertainment company that promotes culture, business and leadership reputation founded by Senator Maurice Bruce.
The company is the major promoter of Miss World that projects Nigerian ladies to attend Miss World Beauty completion once won by then Miss Chief Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite (Agbani Darego) MFR born 22nd December 1982 with height as 1.85 meters now married to married to Ishaya Danjuma since 2017. She was the first black African to win the crown.
Eniola Olatunji reporting for Patmos Media Line.
#Silverbirdgroup #AafinOyo #Thechildren of AlaafinAdeyemi
#BenBruce #AgbaniDarego @PrinceTundeAdeyemi.
