Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has described the death of the foremost Yoruba monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III as a national tragedy, colossal and personal loss to him, saying the foremost Yoruba monarch had lived a worthy life all through his reign.
Iba Adams in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Aderemi on Saturday, which he signed personally expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, stating that Nigeria, Yoruba and the ancient town of Oyo had lost a great monarch, whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarchy.
The statement read, “Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy, it is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country. The Yoruba has lost a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.
“A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the role of Alaafin as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry.
“There’s is no way I can figure out this colossal loss. Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race. He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race. Alaafin was, to date, the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo history. No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo, but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.
“He occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles as the Alaafin. With much honour, reverence and candour that actually gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
“He showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.
“I was at the palace last month where Kabiesi led us to Bishop Ladigbolu’s event in Oyo and he was hail and hearty. By virtue of my position, I always keep in touch and I know what it means to be an Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, so it was a personal loss and a rude shock to me.
“It was a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.
“The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.
“Baba’s 52-year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.
“In his 52- year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution. So, I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss. I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.
“He brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic, even in the area of education, sports and cultural development. He was a topmost cultural icon that is well respected across the world and a symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage.
“Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life. He installed the late MKO Abiola in 1988 and thirty years after, that was precisely in 2018, he installed my humble self as holder of the prestigious position that began in 1530.
“As far as I am concerned, Kabiesi’s life was full of great memories and his death was a national tragedy and huge loss. The news of his death today, really reminded me of the days I lost my father and mother. That was the saddest day of my life.
“Though Kabiesi died at a very old age, he was the Vice Chancellor of four universities. Two prominent universities in Nigeria and two abroad, and he had influenced four different universities located in Oyo town.
“In truth, we will sorely miss his wise counsel. We will miss his voice and resoluteness. We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.
“We will miss his comportment and compassion. We will miss his character and strength. We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues. We will miss his strong conviction for the Yoruba cause. We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all, we will miss his whole being.
“I commiserate with the Oyo state governor, Eng. Seyi Makinde, and the good people of Oyo state. I also commiserate with the Oyo Mesi.
“I commiserate with the Oloris and the princes and the princess and I share in the pain of the entire Oyo town and all the Obas in Yoruba land, because Alaafin’s death is very personal to me, and it is no doubt, one death too many. I pray God to give the entire Yorubaland, the strength and the fortitude to bear this colossal loss.”
