Alaafin Demise May Stall Gbajabiamila's Installation As Aare Baasofin

The passing on of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, may affect the installation of the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Aare Baasofin of Yoruba land.

Gbajabiamila was in 2021 conferred with the title by the late monarch with the official installation scheduled for May 2022.

According to invitation seen by PUNCH Online, the installation was expected to take place on Friday, May 27, 2022 at the Forecourt of the Alaafin palace. The ceremony would have been part of activities to mark the 60th birthday of the Speaker.

Speaking at the time of honouring him in September 2021, Oba Adeyemi said, “This new title bestowed on you is a clear reflection of your outstanding success as an astute legislator, accomplished legal luminary, successful representative of Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker has mourned the demise of Oba Adeyemi.

In a statement issued by his aide, Lanre Lasisi, the speaker said Oba Adeyemi left a void that would be difficult to fill.

Part of the statement read, “He said the Alaafin would be sorely missed by him and all Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people, as he served as a father figure to all, giving wise counsel when needed. He has supported the political career of many Nigerian leaders especially in the quest of Gbajabiamila’s journey to the Speakership of the country.”

Credit: Facebook: Deji Oluwasegun