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The revered Yoruba monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has passed on.
According to Premium Times, Oba Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday, April 22, 2022.
He reportedly breathed his last at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State in South-West Nigeria.
Palace sources told the newspaper that the remains of the traditional ruler had been brought back to his ancestral home in Oyo town, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday, adding that traditional rites had begun immediately.
The 83-year-old monarch ruled for 52 years, making him the longest reigning Alaafin ever.
Before he passed on late Friday night, Oba Adeyemi was billed 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.
The Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, will brief the Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, of the monarch's passing and the latter is expected to make an official announcement afterwards.
Akinade is expected to deputise as the leader of the Oyo town pending the installation of a substantive successor to Adeyemi.
Alaafin's death makes it the third senior monarch's deaths the state has witnessed in about five months.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi, were the other two monarchs who joined their ancestors in the mentioned period.
While the Soun throne remains vacant, a new Olubadan has been installed.
Born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town, Alaafin Adeyemi ascended the throne on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.
Until his death, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The deceased monarch was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.