The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, has expressed a deep sense of loss over the passage of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo, who joined his ancestors while hospitalised at the Afe Babalola Ultra Modern Teaching Hospital Complex at Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.
The Vice-Chancellor described the departed Yoruba Monarch and the chief host of the University, as a cerebral, culture minded and socially conscious traditional ruler, who earned global accolades as a repository of Oyo tradition and the custodian of Yoruba history during his 52 years reign.
Prof. Adebayo stated further that the transition of Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin is an unquantifiable loss to the people of the ancient Oyo town, the people and the Government of Oyo State, and the nation at large.
He acknowledged the many glorious attributes of the late monarch, whom he described as a traditional scholar and lettered king with a great wealth of experience which he brought to bear on the throne when he was installed in 1970 as the Alaafin.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the departed Alaafin of Oyo became one of the most influential and greatly respected traditional rulers in Nigeria and beyond over a period of 52 years, thus presiding over his domain as the longest-reigning Alaafin in the history of the Oyo Kingdom. The Vice-Chancellor recalled that, in recognition of the late royal father’s contribution to peace, religious harmony and stability, the nation honoured him with the high honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
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Professor Adebayo stated further that the University would miss the departed revered monarch, who constantly gave his royal support to the University and contributed to the society in diverse ways that made him deserving of the doctoral degree (honoris causa) of the University about three years ago. He also commended the late Iku Baba Yeye for his royal candour and awesome spirit as displayed by his regal presence for over 3 hours at the 2021 Convocation ceremony held on December 4, 2021, to witness honour done to the Primate of Nigerian Anglican Mission – Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba who was decorated alongside other dignitaries with an honorary doctorate degree at the ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, condoled with the Bashorun of Oyo, the Oyo Mesi and the entire Adeyemi Royal Household for holding fort at this time of great loss and for making necessary effort to sustain the sacred tradition of the Yoruba people without allowing any crisis or violence in the land.
He pledged that Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo which is playing befitting roles in lifting the glory of ancient Oyo since the time of St. Andrew’s College in the early 1900 would continue to do so by ensuring that it pursues its educational mandate, invest in corporate social responsibility and lift the banner of the glory of the Alaafin, Oyo people and Yoruba race at large.
The Vice-Chancellor, on a final note, expressed the condolences of the Proprietors of the University – Supra West Board of Anglican Mission of Nigeria, the Chancellor – Chief Dr J. Afolabi, the Pro-Chancellor – Chief Dr Wole Olanipekun SAN, members of the Council, Senate and Management of the University as he conveys condolences to the Alaafin’s wives and children, the Oyomesi, the chiefs and people of Oyo Kingdom as well the Governor of Oyo State – Engr. Seyi Makinde over the demise of the great traditional ruler remains a great loss to the Black African race. He, therefore, prayed for the repose of the soul and the greater good of the land as he live behind an impactful life and a great legacy for others to emulate.
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