Gov Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as the fall of a great Iroko.
Akeredolu who is the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum said the Oba’s death was a rude shock.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure.
Akeredolu described the transition of the highly revered Oba to the world beyond as a big blow to the Oyo Kingdom, Yoruba race and the country at large.
“We have lost a quintessential traditional ruler and custodian of the Yoruba culture. His contributions to the development and advancement of the country and Yoruba Land in particular are unquantifiable.
“He was a great pillar. A great giant who did not only represent our cultural values but also preserved and promoted the Yoruba culture. He was a repository of knowledge.
“With over five decades on the throne of his fathers, Oba Lamidi III was the longest-reigning Alaafin whose reign has been the most remarkable for the entire Oyo Kingdom. He was a symbol of Yoruba Unity.
“His commitment toward ensuring the unity of the Yoruba can not be forgotten in a hurry. He lived a life invariably imbued with candour and resplendence. He was royal to the end.” the governor said.
He added that the efforts of the late Alafin toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba would not be forgotten in a hurry.
The governor expressed his condolences to Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.
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