TELL Magazine

Notwithstanding an earlier denial by the media aide of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s burial rites have commenced at the palace in Oyo on Saturday, in accordance with Islamic rite. The Muslim leaders were the first to pray on the remains, followed by traditional worshippers. This sort of invalidates the denial a few hours before the commencement of the rites of passage that the first class traditional ruler was still alive. Bode Durojaiye , described as the director of media and publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo had on Saturday morning, just as people woke up to news of the passage of the monarch, issued a press release describing as “fake” reports in the media about the death of the monarch.
The statement stated in part that “It has come to the notice of the Office of the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo about a fake report making the wave in the social media, by a disgruntled group of bloggers, about the imaginary death of His Imperial Majesty, IKu Baba Yeye, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard the unfounded report, as the Paramount Ruler is hale and hearty.”
Durojaiye added that the monarch was never indisposed nor was he taken to the hospital, stating that the monarch and “his family remain agile and active.” That turned out to be untrue.
The media aide perhaps issued the statement to prevent a breach of the tradition where such announcement had to be made by the state government after due information and consultation by the kingmakers.
Activities at the palace, however, indicate that the media was right on the report that the revered King passed on at a hospital in a neighboring state on Friday.

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