Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, and some Yoruba monarchs on Saturday in Oyo poured encomiums on Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo.
They gave the praises at the ceremony to mark the monarch’s 75th birthday and 43rd year on the throne, describing him as a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Sunmonu described the monarch as a father who had always projected the culture and tradition of the Yorubas.
“He has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people,” she said.
Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, said Adeyemi was the Alaafin of the Yoruba race, adding that his fatherly role among the people could not be quantified.
Adegbola said the monarch had lived beyond his subjects’ expectations in terms of fatherly advice, service to humanity and contributions to the development of the Yorubas.
He also commended the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in the state for the support given to traditional institutions in the state.
Oba Sunday Oyediran, the Onipetu of Ijeruland, commended Adeyemi for his initiative of rewarding loyalty and discipline, adding that it was rare among Yoruba monarchs.
In his response, Adeyemi commended the people who came to felicitate with him.
He prayed that they would all continue to grow in wisdom and prosperity.
Recounting the history of Oyo kingdom under him, the Alaafin described his first 25 years on the throne as very rough, adding however that the kingdom had found its footing.
He said the position of Alaafin was different from that of other monarchs, adding that his traditional praise song was different and could not be recited by just any one.
He said: “I urge my people to continue to support the kingdom, not minding whatever little lapses might have occurred as we are all human.
“I also want you to know that this kingdom respects the three religions and has always employed their modes of worship.”
The occasion featured the distribution of nine exotic cars of various brands by Adeyemi to some of his subjects.
The beneficiaries included Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief Gabriel Adeleke, the Bariyun of Oyo; and J.O. Akinyemi from Otu area of the state.
Two of Oba Adeyemi’s children, Babatunde and Folasade, and four wives, Abibat, Ramat, Sulat and Rukayat, were also beneficiaries.
The occasion was attended by Segun Olaleye, Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly’s Committee on Appropriation; the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja; and Chief Buhari Oloto.
Others included some council chairmen in the state and prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.
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