A prominent Traditional Ruler in Nigeria, Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III is dead.

Though the death is yet to be announced officially but sources at the palace who claimed anonymity confirmed the death.

Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado

The remains of the top Yoruba Traditional ruler were brought from Ekiti to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, sources from the palace

He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.

The Governor  of Oyo State , Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo before a new Alaafin is installed.

The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.
A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.
His death came after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died.

All happened in less than five months.

A new Olubadan has been installed but the Soun remains vacant.
With the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch.

Mr Adeyemi’s predecessor, Bello Ladigbolu, was from the Agunloye House.

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi: Things to know about boxer who became longest-reigning Alaafin .

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, passed on at 83 years on Friday night.

Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

Adeyemi ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.

His Early life
Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

In his younger age, the Alaafin was a lover of boxing. The monarch was a boxer but had to retire early due to his coronation.

Coronation
He became the Alaafin of Oyo in November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, after the civil war. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.

Positions held
During his reign, Oba Adeyemi permanently chaired the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In 1975, the head of state General Murtala Muhammed included Oba Adeyemi in his entourage to the hajj.

Educational appointment
In 1980, he was appointed as the chancellor of Uthman dan Fodiyo University in Sokoto. He held the position till 1992.

Religious appointment
In 1990, President Ibrahim Babangida appointed him Amir-ul-Hajj in recognition of his commitment to the consolidation of Islam in Nigeria.

Family life
Alaafin was married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife. However, he had about twelve junior wives, whom he attended events with.

His junior wives included Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.

The Alaafin has numerous children, though the exact number is uncertain.