Okeho Princess Mourns Alaafin, Says Monarch’s Demise Huge Loss To Yoruba Nation

TAIWO ADELU

The vaccum left behind by the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi would be difficult to fill.

This was the reaction of a member of the Adeniji Ruling House of Okeho in Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, Princess (Mrs.)Oluremi Adedeji-Igbinoba to the death of the royal father.

The monarch passed on April 22nd, 2022 at 83 years having ruled for 52 years.

In her reaction which was contained in a press statement issued by her media officer, Prince Seyi Afolabi, Princess Adedeji-Igbinoba described the late monarch as the custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition.

According to the Princess who is one of the children of the late Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rowland Ereola Adedeji 

“Though His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi lived long, the Yoruba nation will still sorely miss him. 

“His transition is a huge loss to the Yoruba and it has left a vaccum that would be difficult to fill” 

Princess Adedeji-Igbinoba said the death of the royal father was a personal loss to her and her siblings, the children of the late Onjo.

She said it was the late monarch who presented her father the late Onjo a beaded crown on September 1st, 1979.

Her father, according to the Princess was presented with the staff of office as Onjo of Okeho on October 25th,1975 by the then Military Governor of Oyo State, Col. David Jemibewon.

She further revealed “But four years after receiving his staff of office, my father was elevated and on  September 1st 1979, he became the first Onjo to wear beaded crown.

The ceremony was performed by the Alaafin and that day remains one of happiest days in our lives, the children of the late Onjo.

The Princess said it was painful that her father died at a tender age of 56 years having reigned for just eight years.

However, the Princess noted “In spite of the brief reign of my father, he transformed Okeho from an ancient community to a modern society. 

“That achievement by my late father gives me joy”

Princess Adedeji-Igbinoba added “What gives me utmost joy is that my father left behind children who are today contributing to the development of society in various ways”.

The surviving children of the late Onjo are Mrs. Mopelola Adedeji-Ogunbiyi, Mrs. Oluremi Adedeji-Igbinoba, Mrs. Adebimpe Adedeji-Kuti, Prince Adeniyi Adedeji and Princess