Late Alaafin stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs – Obasanjo

Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, as one who stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs.

Showering encomiums on the late monarch, who died late Friday at the age of 83, Obasanjo said: “As a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria, he stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs and he was as well a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.

“It is well acknowledged that it was during his reign that Oyo Town got transformed into the modern city that it has become today and not surprisingly, his contribution to nation-building was also acknowledged in the conferment of the esteemed national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on him and other honorary degrees that he received from some Nigerian and outside educational institutions.”

Obasanjo, who is currently in Ethiopia, in a letter conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Oyo State and to the entire family of the late Alaafin, on the transition of Oba Adeyemi.

He noted with delight, Oba Adeyemi’s immense contributions to peace, community development and growth and national development, especially since his ascension to the revered throne of Alaafin of Oyo, nearly 52 years ago.

According to Obasanjo, like most great leaders, Alaafin was all things to all people, saying to his family, he was a tower of strength and a committed provider.

“To his community of Oyo land, he was an early model in national leadership; to his Yoruba kinsmen, he was a worthy Ambassador; and to the rest of Nigeria, he was a symbol of a nation’s epic struggle in self-discovery and self-actualisation.

“Although Oba Adeyemi’s passage is like a dream, especially as he left us at a crucial stage in our nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed, I would urge you and all the members of his immediate and extended family to take solace in the worthy legacy and his mark on the history of this country he left behind. In fact, we ought to give gratitude to God for his worthy life.

“May God grant his family, the good people of Oyo land and the entire Oyo State the grace to bear the heavy loss of his death. May the soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace,” he said.