The highly revered Yoruba monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has been confirmed dead after a brief illness.
The 83-year-old monarch who ruled for 52 years, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin ever passed away on Friday night in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
The confirmation was made by the spokesperson for the late monarch, Mr Bode Durojaye. Bode in an interview with pressmen said: “Alaafin is dead. Details in due course.”
Before he passed on late Friday night, plans were made for him to be flown abroad for treatment following a sickness. A source familiar with the proposed medical trip said tickets were already purchased for him and a few wives expected to accompany him.
It was gathered that he was receiving treatment at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, where he drew his last breath.
The remains of the traditional ruler had reportedly been brought back to his ancestral home in Oyo town, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday, and traditional rites had begun immediately.
