Oba Lamidi Adeyemi: Things to know about boxer who became longest-reigning Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, passed on at 83 years on Friday night.

Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, The PUNCH was told.

Adeyemi ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.

In this piece, The PUNCH highlights things you should know about the boxer who became the longest-reigning Alaafin.

Early life
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

In his younger age, the Alaafin was a lover of boxing. The monarch was a boxer but had to retire early due to his coronation.

Coronation
He became the Alaafin of Oyo in November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, after the civil war. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.

Positions held
During his reign, Oba Adeyemi permanently chaired the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In 1975, the head of state General Murtala Muhammed included Oba Adeyemi in his entourage to the hajj.

Educational appointment
In 1980, he was appointed as the chancellor of Uthman dan Fodiyo University in Sokoto. He held the position till 1992.

Religious appointment
In 1990, President Ibrahim Babangida appointed him Amir-ul-Hajj in recognition of his commitment to the consolidation of Islam in Nigeria.

Family life
Alaafin was married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife. However, he had about twelve junior wives, whom he attended events with.
His junior wives included Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.

The Alaafin has numerous children, though the exact number is uncertain.

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The Alaafin has passed and only his legacies remains. His life was glamorous on the surface and he had the opportunity to even be more glamorous on the inside and in his aftermath.

He released a statement concerning police brutality, calling out the FG for not addressing the demands of the Endsars protesters, and that the presidency indifference and inactions or lack of good actions, spurred the degeneration of the coordinated movement. He condemned the violence against the protesters in the Lekki shooting and though any reasonable person should condemn the events of that horrible nights, our leaders are rather far fetched and for this singular act, of joining the struggle, we could say he was of the people.

He condemned criminalizing those who criticized the government, asserting that “ anyone who doesn’t want to be criticised has no business in government.” He rebuked the silence and the indifference of the judiciary (lawyers) and condemned their poise, clamoring that they speak up. And for this, we could say, he was of the people.

He spoke about insecurity and clamored that the government is not only subjected to banditry but is filled with bandits and condemned those celebrating victory over Boko Haram, asserting there was no victory yet. And for this, we could say, he was of the people.

Although, he was a practicing Muslim, he knew his job was to be the custodian of the Yoruba culture and he admitted that Islam and Christianity eroded that culture and demonized its element; but did he serve much an example in advocating the heritage? I do not know.

And there were others as well.

If he released a statement concerning the ASUU strike and tried to mediate or conciliate; even though he is turned away and ignored, this would be in his legacy too that he was a champion of his people.

If he told us to think carefully about the political ones and remind us of their failings or successes. If he told us in every of his endorsement, his conviction, as to why such candidate is the solution to our troubles as a nation, if he did, we will be more grateful.

There were murder allegations, which were unresolved and others too.

The Alaafin has done his bits, more than millions can accomplish in their lifetime, he spent most of his life serving his people and though sometimes, it seemed, he served himself, but who wouldn’t?

To the wives, and children and grandchildren of the Alaafin, and to the Yoruba people; my condolences.

Unknown number of children. How did he care for them?

Damnnn niggar
Isoright......
Rest in peace

One thing about me is that I respect monarchy

The dead should be treated with little bit of nervousness and respect

That niggar is a good man.....

He didn't support Buhari and his bandits brothers

It is hard to find a king like that even in the Southwest

Most of them are bloody thieves and hypocrites....

RIP baba..

Kindly show image proofs or highlights of his boxing career.

interesting

R.I.P. great King

Interesting


This is no longer a painful exit, instead it is a life well spent

Iku Baba Yeye
Oba waja!

omoh,,na those his wise I dey think,,, 80% of them go dey happy now RIP legend

Rest in peace sir.

Became longest running Alaafin cos Noone would try to wrest power from a powerful boxer

Rest in peace

Dreal1247:
Unknown number of children. How did he care for them?

That is where NIN and ID card comes in!!

I read about Abobaku in Yoruba land
What if he runs away?
What is/are the implication(s)

I'm just curious to know

Unknown numbers of children

All these African monarch that suppose to lead by example in birth control are the ones giving birth like ant

L

Lilsameey:
Kindly show image proofs or highlights of his boxing career.

He was simply a king in the oda room

No everlasting king expect God Almighty

Is that all?

Life is short live it well
No one knows who is next
Be prepared

Jesus loves you, repent

I like that him small wife o, abeg who get her number lol.

Ok

An Oba who lived life to the least...

Abobaku don jaapa like this