Why We are planning befitting burial for Alaafin-Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged that his administration will not spare anything to give the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, a befitting burial.

This came as he appealed to the Oyo Mesi, the Council of Chiefs and all those that will be involved in the selection of another Alaafin not to delay the process so that some wishes of the late monarch, which he was privy to, can be fulfilled.

Makinde gave the assurance yesterday when he visited the ancient city on the demise of the foremost monarch.

Other dignitaries also visited the palace of the late Alaafin on a condolence visit.

Top on the roll call was Minister of Youths and Sports Chief Sunday Dare, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams, Senator Soji Akanbi, traditional rulers, community leaders, sons and daughters of Oyo among others.

Minister of Youth and Sport Development Chief Sunday Dare was also at the palace to commiserate with the family of the late monarch and the people.

The governor, who was accompanied by top government functionaries, arrived at the palace at about 2:25p.m.

The governor was received by the Bashorun of Oyo, who doubles as the Chairman of Council of Chiefs, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola and eldest son of the late monarch, Prince Babatunde Adeyemi.

Functionaries in the company of the governor included the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun; Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi; Director-General, Public Procurement, Ms Tara Adefowope; and Chairman, State Advisory Council Senator Hosea Agboola.

Commissioners in the entourage include Bayo Lawal (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Seun Ashamu (Energy and Mineral Resources), Prof. Musbau Babatunde (Budget and Economic Planning), Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin (Works and Transport) and a former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka.

Apparently reacting to social media rumor in a comical manner, Makinde said he was not the one responsible for the deaths of three foremost monarchs in the state.

The departure of Oba Adeyemi brings to three the numbers of First Class monarchs who have joined their ancestors in the last five month in the state.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died December 12, 2021 and Olubadan Saliu Adetunji died on January 2, 2022.

However, Makinde said the monarchs who joined their ancestors were ripe in age and have made impact on the people.

He said the death of the Alaafin came with a mixed feeling of joy and sadness, owing to the love the people has for him and the things he would be missed for.

He said since the death of the Alaafin hit town, he had received calls from very many people, including the Presidency, his governor-colleagues, foremost traditional rulers, including Emir of Kano, Sultan of Sokoto among others.