Tinubu, Apatira Attend Inter-religious Prayer For Alaafin
Akin Olayemi
Sympathisers from across the country, on Saturday, thronged the Aganju forecourt, Aaafin Oyo, venue of the 8th Day Inter-religious prayers held for His Imperial Majesty, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The late Alaafin of Oyo joined his ancestors on April 23, 2022 at the age of 83.
The dignitaries that graced the prayers include the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a leading presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Apatira, Hon. James Faleke, member representing Ikeja constituency at the House of Representatives and a host of others.
In his address, the former Governor of Lagos state described the late monarch as a peace-loving monarch who was committed to the development of the Yoruba race.
“Alaafin was consistent in promoting peaceful and harmonious co-existence. He was tolerant of all religions and diverse cultures both in the state and the country as whole.
“Oba Adeyemi had successfully carried on with the legacies of his forefathers, dating back the 16th century. He upheld the traditions of hospitality, respect for authorities and communal development that has always defined the throne.
“He was a wonderful and excellent king who preserved the Yoruba tradition during his tenure. He did not allow anyone to torpedo the Ibadan hierarchical succession plan of ascending the throne.”
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the highly revered monarch, who according to him, would be missed for his wise counsels to leaders and indigenes.
Similarly, Hon. Apatira described the death of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a great loss to Nigerians and the entire black race.
He revealed that the highly revered traditional ruler would be greatly missed for his patriotism and forthrightness.
While praying to Almighty to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest, he said, “We knew what the late monarch represented in the Yoruba traditional institution.
He held a special position in the scheme of things as far as Yoruba tradition and culture is concerned.
Hence, he would be greatly missed for his forthrightness.
He would be greatly missed for his relevance and contributions to both the traditional and political institutions of the country.
He was one of the few traditional rulers that would say things the way it is. He never hide his feelings when it comes to sharing his views on politics and matters of national interests.”
Meanwhile, various religious clerics took turn to offer prayers for the late Alaafin of Oyo.
They preached on the need for unity of purpose while also urging Nigerian leaders and all those in positions of authority to emulate the exemplary life led by the late traditional ruler.
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