Alaafin Will Be Missed — Florence Ajimobi

Florence Ajimobi, wife of late Isiaka Ajimobi, former governor of Oyo State has stated that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III will be missed.

Ajimobi, a former Oyo first lady stated this on Wednesday, when she paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Alaafin of Oyo.

Ajimobi while commiserating with the widows of the Alaafin also prayed for the repose of the soul of the foremost monarch.

“It is with a deep sense of loss that I commiserate with the Oyomesi, the entire people of Oyo town, our state and the country over the exit of Baba, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Iku Baba year.

“Though the Alaafin died at a ripe old age of 83 years, having spent 52 glorious years on the throne of his forefathers, his passage still came as a shock due to its unexpectedness.

“I am especially pained by the Alaafin’s sudden exit because I know he shared a special relationship with my late husband, Biola and contributed immensely to the success of his administration.

“Indeed, the passage of this legendary King marks the end of another glorious era in monarchical institutions in Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean and other places where the Alaafin had taken the ‘gospel’ of the uniqueness of the Yoruba race.

“In his lifetime, the Alaafin was the repository of the Yoruba history, culture and tradition, promoting these in deeds, action and words. He was regal. He was noble in the real meaning of that word.

His reign witnessed tremendous progress in the ancient town of Oyo leading to peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the people.

“His death is a major loss to the people of the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria. His sage and wise counsel would be missed by all and sundry. As we mourn the passage of this unparalleled bridge-builder, let us take consolation in the words of former American President, Abraham Lincoln, “In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years”.

“Baba packed tremendous, impactful activities in his years and these have left indelible marks that will continue to live long after him.

“I share in the grief of the entire Oyomesi, people of Oyo town, Oyo State and Nigeria. My heartfelt condolences also goes to the children and other traditional rulers who would continue to miss the Alaafin.

“Though no amount of words can soothe the pain of his passing, we pray that the Almighty God comfort all those left behind by his transition," she stated.