The death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, signaled the end of the three influential Lamidis in Oyo State, Adedapo Lam-Adesina has said.
The former house of representatives member, who spoke with journalists shortly after paying a condolence visit to the palace of the late monarch, said the Yorubas have lost a whole encyclopedia in Oba Adeyemi.
“With fondness,” the former commissioner said, “I recall his various interventions. Even if you don’t like him, you wouldn’t but agree with his positions. Till he joined his ancestors, he was influential. Whenever you get to meet or sit down with him, he will always have something important to tell you.
“This was a man who didn’t allow anything deter him from achieving whatever he sets his eyes on. He was someone who knows little about everything.
“They were three in Oyo state and very powerful. The late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu; my own father and former governor Lamidi Adesina. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who just joined his ancestors, is the last of the trio. In their times, they were powerful and influential.
“Yes, he was 83. But nobody would have wanted a king of Oba Adeyemi’s stature to go now. He was the poster-man for everything good about Yoruba monarchical system. He was always there to correct some misconceptions. He was there to fight on the side of the Yorubas. Even if you are his man, the moment you start a war against his people, he will respond appropriately.
“No doubt, Oyo and Yoruba nation would miss him. He was not an ordinary Oba. It was as if God deliberately blessed the Yorubas with him and he reigned longer than any of his forebears. The history of Oyo can never be complete without the mention of his name and time.
“So, I want to condole with the people of Oyo and Yorubas; family and friends, especially my own brother, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh) on the passing on of our beloved father. There is nothing we can do than to pray for the repose of his soul. Baba made his impact and it is being felt beyond here,” he added.