The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is Dead.

Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began.

He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.

Though his death is yet to be announced officially but sources at the palace who claimed anonymity confirmed it.

Alaafin, a prominent monarch of the Yoruba race, who is also the permanent chairman Oyo State council of Obas was born to the family of Raji Adeniran Adeyemi the former Alaafin of Oyo who was deposed and exiled in 1954 for sympathizing with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC).

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.

The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night.

A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured.

His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died. All happened in less than five months.

A new Olubadan has been installed but the Soun throne remains vacant.