Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, has departed. He allegedly passed on the 22nd of April 2022 at the age of 83 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, and the reason for his demise remains undisclosed. His rule of 52 years stands as the most extensive reign of any Alaafin of Oyo in history. In honor of this loss, RNN.NG offers a comprehensive biography of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Alaafin of Oyo (Oba Lamidi Adeyemi): Profile Summary
Name Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi
| Name | Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi |
| Intro | Traditional leader of the Yoruba state of Oyo in Nigeria |
| Occupation | Leader |
| From | Nigeria |
| Type | Military |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth | 15 October 1938 |
| Age | 83 years |
| Date of Death | 22 April 2022 |
Early Life and Education
Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the late Alaafin of Oyo, was born on the 15th of October 1938, to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, a former Alaafin of Oyo who was ousted and exiled in 1954 due to alleged political ties.
He commenced his education at a Quranic School in Iseyin, a town not far from Oyo. He subsequently returned to Oyo Town, where he resided with the headmaster of St. Andrews Primary School, later moving to the palace of the Alake of Egba, Oba Oladepo Ademola.
His education experienced a temporary interruption after his father, Oba Ademola, was compelled to abdicate his throne and live in exile at Osogbo following the 1947-48 protests by Egba women against “Tax without representation,” led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti.
In 1948, his father summoned him and later sent him to live with Sir Kofoworola Adebayo Abayomi in Keffi, Ikoyi, Lagos. While in Keffi, he attended Obalende Modern School and later transferred to Tinubu Methodist School.
After completing primary education, he received admissions to Igbobi College and St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, ultimately opting for St. Gregory’s College.
He graduated from St. Gregory’s College with commendable grades, intending to study Law; however, his aspirations for Law were interrupted as his father was deposed as the Alaafin on the 14th of February 1946.
Lamidi was offered a position at the Royal Exchange Assurance in Lagos, where he penned articles under pseudonyms in newspapers, sharing his experiences and reflections.
One of his many articles was titled “I SHALL BE GREAT” in 1968, and the following year, he authored “I shall be the next Alaafin.” He wrote critiques regarding the treatment of Nigerian teachers, inspired by witnessing one of his former teachers in tattered clothing. He also wrote a piece titled, “Women Liberation: A misnomer in Yoruba land.”
Shortly after his tenure at the Royal Exchange Assurance, he was elevated to the 14th floor into the specialized domain of obligatory Facultative Insurance and internal memo drafting.
He began to accumulate substantial wealth, but his father mandated that he must invest every coin that came his way, thus embarking on a business venture to buy damaged vehicles for repair and resale.
The Alaafin’s Rise to Power
The biography of the Alaafin of Oyo would not be complete without a glimpse into the circumstances that led to his rise to power. Following the death of Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin, the Oyomesi reached out to Oranlola (Baba Iwo) of Alowolodu to consider becoming the Alaafin.
He subsequently convened a meeting within the royal family, informing them of his discussions with Oyomesi and suggesting his son, Sanda ‘Ladepo.
All family members concurred with this, with the exception of Baba Salami Dudu, who recommended Prince Lamidi Adeyemi, son of Alaafin Adeyemi Adeniran II.
The contest for the Alaafin throne grew fiercer, leading to several princes from larger royal families in Oyo becoming contenders. Among these were Aremo Sanni Gbadegesin, Prince Olanite Ajagba, Prince Afonja Ilaka, and Prince Sanda ‘Ladepo Oranlola.
On November 18, 1970, Lamidi Adeyemi was selected by the kingmakers and then moved into the palace after completing the required rites under the guidance of the Oyomesi.
During this period, he was initiated into the secrets of various deities, including the Ifa and Sango mysteries, to become their direct representative on earth.
A splendid ceremony took place at the Durbar Stadium, Oyo town, to formally crown Lamidi Adeyemi III as the Alaafin of Oyo. He was presented with the staff of office as the Alaafin of Oyo by the military Governor of the Western State at that time, Colonel (now retired General) Adeyinka Adebayo.
Personal Life
The Alaafin is married to 13 wives, including Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his primary wife, who accompanies him to most events along with one of his twelve junior spouses.
His other wives are Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.
Alaafin’s Impact on Yorubaland and Nigeria
Wrapping up this biography of the Alaafin of Oyo, we take a look at his contributions to the advancement of Yoruba land and the nation overall. As one of the leading traditional rulers in Yoruba land, the Alaafin leveraged his position to improve the circumstances of numerous Obas, elevating many non-crowned Obas to the rank of beaded crown wearers and tirelessly advocating for their welfare at all times.
In 1975, head of state General Murtala Ramat Muhammed included the Alaafin in his entourage for the hajj. He was also honored with the national award of CFR at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, in 1979.
In 1980, the Federal Government appointed Kabiyesi Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III as the inaugural Chancellor of the newly established University of Sokoto, now Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, for an initial four-year term. Upon completion of that term, the senate and council of the University recommended him for another term. The president and visitor to the university graciously approved the request, leading to his reappointment for a second term. In an unprecedented move at the end of this term, he was appointed for yet another term, the third, resulting in a total of 12 years as the Chancellor of the university.
In January 1988, the Alaafin conferred the title of Aare Ona Kankanfo on Chief MKO Abiola in recognition of Abiola’s contributions to the social, economic, cultural, and political development of Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole.
In 1990, the Federal Government under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration appointed the Alaafin as the Amiru Hajj operation, tasking him with leading the Muslim faithful across the 21 states of the federation in recognition of his dedication to the strengthening of Islam in Nigeria.
