The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) has described the passage of the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on Friday as an “end to a reign that brought glory and honour to Yorubaland”.
In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Mr Tunde Ipinmisho, the group said Oba Adeyemi always defended what he considered to be the best interest of the Yoruba.
It said that the Alafin, who was resplendent in the best attires of the Yoruba, promoted the culture of his people beyond the nation’s shores.
According to TYLPI, the late Oba Adeyemi’s strong voice on issues whenever he spoke, gave honour, respect and dignity to the Yoruba race.
It also praised the late Alafin’s foresight in working with those who could assist in transforming to reality, his dream of Oyo becoming a modern city and a major hub for business, commerce and tourism.
The group commended the strong commitment of the late traditional ruler to education, noting that it was a lasting tribute to his doggedness in that regard adding that, during his reign, Oyo became a university town and a host to other higher institutions of learning.
The deep knowledge of Yoruba history and tradition, TYLPI further observed, made Oba Adeyemi a living resource for those interested in knowing more about the race.
It said Oba Adeyemi’s death had created left a big leadership vacuum in Yorubaland and prayed that at the right time, a fitting successor to the late monarch would emerge to continue the struggle for the improvement of the lives of the people.
TYLPI expressed its condolences to the people and government of Oyo State as well as the family left behind by the monarch.
