Fuji musician Saheed Osupa on Thursday rained words of adulation on the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on his 50th year on the throne of his fathers.
The musician described the revered monarch as a walking encyclopedia, the symbol of Yoruba nation and more, adding that his ascension to the throne has brought development to Oyo.
“Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III, as a living deity is the symbol of Yoruba nation. He is the custodian of culture. An encyclopedia of knowledge and an apt repository of history. His ascension of the throne five decades ago have spelt tremendous developmental stride in Oyo and the entire Yoruba race,” Saheed wrote on Instagram.
“This epochal milestone is by no means a small feat. It underlines the power, longevity and the significance of the most celebrated monarch. His investiture comes at a time the Yoruba nation needs knowledge and skills, and behold Alaafin has gone on to decorate the stool with potpourri of unprecedented history – from being the first literate Alaafin to being the first to be named as the Chancellor of Universities.
“As I join Yorubas, the world over to celebrate this walking encyclopedia, I pray that you live longer to witness more years. Long live Iku Baba Yeye.”
Oba Adeyemi was installed the Alaafin in 1971 at the age of 31.
The first-class traditional ruler said he prophesied he would be the next ruler in his article many years ago.
“Today, on the 14th of January, 1971 makes it exactly 50yrs I ascended the throne of my forebears as Alaafin. It was a dream come true, a prophesy foretold that the heavens had accented to when I wrote that piece of article and published it ‘I SHALL BE NEXT ALAAFIN’,” the monarch wrote on Instagram.
The Alaafin who is also the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had since postponed the celebration due to COVID-19.
He said in a statement on January 8 that he made the decision with “strong personal pain but with respect for the sanctity of human life.”
