Alaafin Owoade pays tribute to Oba Adeyemi III at fourth anniversary

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has described his late predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a royal icon who embodied humility, wisdom, and a strong commitment to national unity.

In a statement marking the fourth anniversary of the late monarch’s passing, issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade said Oba Adeyemi III used his position to promote peace and uphold integrity, regardless of circumstances.

Oba Adeyemi III died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, after one of the longest reigns in modern Oyo history.

The Alaafin described him as a father figure with admirable qualities worthy of emulation, noting his deep knowledge of history and commanding public presence.

He added that the late monarch’s speeches, delivered in both Yoruba and English, often captivated audiences and earned standing ovations, reflecting his intellectual depth and eloquence.

According to him, Oba Adeyemi III was not only a traditional ruler but also a gifted storyteller and engaging communicator whose legacy continues to resonate.

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He said, "You just wouldn't want him to stop. He was a repertoire of history and knowledge. Despite the fact that he was an octogenarian, when he begins to talk about historical events both local and international, with statistics and dates, then you wonder how he remembers all these things.

"He is a beauty to behold when he dances rhythmically to traditional music, as his dance steps go in tandem with tunes of the music.

"The contributions of late Alaafin Oba Adeyemi to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture, his efforts toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba as well as promotion of the traditional institution were unquantifiable."

He pointed out that as a selfless and detribalized traditional ruler, the late monarch sustained his goodwill and pedigree, in view of his extraordinary leadership style and passion for the welfare of his subjects.

“As one of the longest-reigning royal fathers in Nigeria, and late Chancellor of four reputable Universities both in Nigeria and overseas, the wise counsel of Oba Adeyemi on national issues cannot be underestimated. He was a strong Advocate of peace and unity.

"He was a compassionate and unrelenting philanthropist and, above all, a life coach and mentor to many accomplished gentlemen and ladies of repute", he noted.

Oba Owoade further explained that since ascending the throne of his forefathers, the population of the metropolis had not only grown into a city, but the late monarch "balanced rapid development, modernization of traditional norms and institutions with preservation of the positive aspects, as well as moderating influence of traditional values."

Another testimony by the Alaafin to the late royal father's legacy was that Oba Adeyemi had consistently used his exalted position to send a signal to Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds that with him, leadership of oneness and true friendship with others could go hand in hand.

Oba Owoade added, "The hard earned reputation of the late monarch as an inspirational, strong, visionary leader; relentless bridge builder, a missionary for hope and his constant message of peace, love and harmony had endeared him to the hearts of all Nigerians and won him many national and international awards and nominations."