The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has mourned the demise of Alaafin of Oyo, the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The revered royal father spoke on Saturday when, upon his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he had travelled for Umrah (the Lesser Hajj), received the sad news of Alaafin of Oyo’s death.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), also described the late Yoruba monarch as a personal friend, saying that he will miss him forever.
He added that the sad event of Alaafin of Oyo’s death could not have been better put than to decribe it as a rude shock.
A statement made available to Theideal on Saturday by the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Maccido, Danburam Sokoto, also disclosed that the Sultan, who arrived Nigeria via Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano, called Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday afternoon and condoled with him ahead of a statement detailing his feelings about the death of the foremeost monarch.
Maccido also quoted the Sultan of Sokoto as saying that, “I just got back from Saudi Arabia when I heard about the demise of the fine monarch, even in Kano. I have talked to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and condoled with him, the family, and the people of Oyo State over the demise of the excellent monarch. His reign was remarkable. We would remember him for his contributions, especially when he was here as the Chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto. Also, we remember him as a personal friend.”
