On Friday, April 22, 2022, a big Iroko fell in Yorubaland. That fateful Friday, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, joined his forebears. In the African culture, customs and traditions, Obas don’t’ die. They simply sleep. They merely exchange mortality for immortality. So it was with Iku Baba Yeye. There is no doubt that the passing of the Oyo monarch, after 52 years on the throne of his ancestors is like a library that goes ablaze. Oba Adeyemi III was more than a library. He was a walking encyclopedia of Yoruba cultures, customs, traditions, norms and the essence of the Race. From Oranmiyan, who established the throne of Oyo, to Oba Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, his immediate predecessor, Alaafin Adeyemi III had the privilege of having the longest reign on the ancient throne of Oyo. His passing therefore, on Friday, even at a very ripe age of 83, is no doubt a big loss to the entire Yorubaland.

https://www.thenews-chronicle.com/alaafin-message-to-oyomesi-makinde/