The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III is the ceremonial leader of the ancient Oyo Town. He was born on October 15, 1938, and is the rightful heir to the 600-year-old throne of the historic Oyo Empire of Yoruba land. He mounted the throne of his forefathers on November 18, 1970, when he defeated ten other contenders and took over from his predecessor, Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II. monarch
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His father, Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II is the famous King who was deposed and exiled in 1954 by the then-government for having a conflicting political standing. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, is not the only King that has been deposed and exiled due to political reasons. Unlike many heirs to the throne, Alaafin of Oyo began his first training with Quranic and Christian knowledge education at the age of five.
He then furthered his royal training at various monarchs’ homes. While he was to study law in the United Kingdom, he was forced to study in Nigeria as his father passed away just a few hours to his departure. He later became an insurance executive in Lagos. As well known, the Alaafin of Oyo is a brilliant man. Anyone who has ever heard him speak would never deny this fact as his words are always weighty.
Describing him as an enigma would still be an understatement. It is no wonder he remains the most powerful and influential king in Yoruba land. What does Alaafin mean? Alaafin simply means ‘Man of the Palace. It is equally the official title of the King of the Medieval Oyo Empire which is today known as Oyo Town. Unlike now where the Alaafin is a ceremonial leader, in ancient times, the Alaafin is an absolute ruler, and his power is throughout the Yoruba land. This is the reason the Alaafin of Oyo is rated as one of the highest-ranking kings in Yoruba land today. While many people argue who the superior King is between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, many other kings have admitted that they recognise the Ooni of Ife as the superior King. This leaves the Alaafin of Oyo as the second superior King.
Other titles of the Alaafin of Oyo include Ekeji Orisha meaning ‘second in command to the gods,’ Alashe meaning ‘he who wields authority.’ Kabiyesi meaning ‘the king who no one can question,’ and Iku Baba Yeye meaning ‘the on
