High Chief Ogundokun Mourns Alaafin, Says Never Knew He Called To Say Goodbye

Elder Statesman and Obanla of Iwoland, High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has expressed sadness and shock over the passing on of His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III.

The first class monarch joined his ancestors on Friday 23 April at Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In a message Saturday, High Chief Ogundokun stated that he received with greater shock the passage of Alaafin because the monarch only reached out to him a few days back and visited him in his palace.

“I received the news of the passing on of our father, my friend, brother and great compatriot, Alaafin, Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III today with great shock.

“A greater shock is the fact that Iku Baba Yeye only reached out to me a few days back. I recall that Kabiyesi called me on the phone two weeks ago, (April 8) on my way to see former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, complaining that he has not seen or heard from me for some time. I was compelled to make a quick visit to the Palace on April 9 to see my beloved friend and we had a wonderful time together,” High Chief Ogundokun stated.

According to him, Alaafin expressed deep fear over his absence from him.

“The manner at which he expressed such a deep concern about me compelled me to visit Oyo without delay. Unknown to me was his hidden intention of bidding me goodbye. Picture of the visit was published in The Nigerian Tribune of April 19 {Page 14}.

“I am still struggling to come to terms with the reality of this huge loss. It is like a dream. Just last night in my dream, my dear friend appeared to me. I didnt known he was giving me a sign.”

High Chief Ogundokun described the late monarch as “an embodiment of rich traditional history and one of the most-respected monarchs in Africa. His 52 year reign was characterized by all-round growth and development. He was a rich model in vissionary leadership and commited stewardship.

“Alaafin means many things to many people. He was more than just a king. He was a father to all. I extend my sincere condolences to the Oloris; Kabiyesi’s immediate family; His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State; the Oyo State Traditional Council; the Oyomesi; the people of Oyo Kingdom, and the entire Yoruba race on the passing of a great ruler.

“I cannot but express my deep condolence to Baba Olusegun Obasanjo and Aare Afe Babalola who have been part of history and exitence of great monarch, Oba Adeyemi. He will be sorely missed. I thank God for keeping our decades of friendship intact and unshakeable till the end. I will forever apreciate all the unflinching support I received from him. Adieu! Erin wo!! Ajanaku sun bi Oke!! Sun re, Atanda Iku Baba Yeye.”