The 8th Day Inter-religious prayers for the departed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III could be likened to a day of tributes as religious and traditional leaders eulogised the impactful life of the monarch.
Leading the Fidau prayers for the monarch, the Chief Imam of Oyo, Sheikh Mashood Ajokidero pointed out that Oba Adeyemi was a devout worshipper of Allah, who lived a fulfilled life.
While delivering a lecture, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq-Onikijipa who described death as a manifestation of God’s supremacy over all human beings enjoined people to be conscious of the day they would render their stewardship before Allah.
The cleric who stressed that Oba Adeyemi was a prominent creature before God, cautioned people against passing unwarranted comments about his private life.
The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Oyo zone, Reverend Akin Alabi while describing the Alaafin as a monarch who accommodated all religions, urged Nigerians to live in accordance with the will of God.
Speaking on behalf of all traditional rulers, the Ona Onibode of Igboho land, Oba Abdrosheed Jayeola attributed elevation of many traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun to the crown wearing status to the departed Alaafin and called on the Oyomesi to source for a suitable successor for the sustenance of Yoruba culture.
Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade-Ayoola stated that the death of Oba Adeyemi was a collective loss to the Yoruba race.
The Seriki Fulani of Oyo state Yakubu Bello and Igbo Leader of Oyo state, Chief Chukwu described Oba Adeyemi as detribalised, peace loving and an enigma worthy of emulation.
In an interview, a representative of Yoruba people in Bènin Republic, Dr Clement Kusiade, the Umu Muminat of Oyo state, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola and an aide to Oba Adeyemi, Mr. Chinedu Joel described the monarch as a rare gem who showcased Yoruba culture across the world, saying the monarch would be missed for his
fatherly role.
The well attended prayer session had in attendance the Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, represented by the Osi Olubadan, High Chief Edward Oyewole, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, represented by Oba Adekunle Adebowale and the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi.
RADIO NIGERIA