Aide to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has made a U-turn from her earlier position that Alaafin was not dead, saying the monarch had a premonition of his death two weeks earlier.
She said this while speaking with journalists at the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace on Saturday.
After the news of his death went viral, hundreds of residents of Oyo Town continued to throng the ancient palace to mourn the demise of Adeyemi III, despite reports that some were stung by bees in a mysterious moment.
The palace worker disclosed that the traditional ruler already had a premonition of his death a few weeks back, urging people to find solace in the fact that the late monarch lived a worthy life.
The aide said, “My father has gone to meet his forefathers. Atanda (Alaafin) went to play with his forefathers. He is not dead.
“Two weeks ago, he called and told us that his late father was calling him to come. We were afraid and asked if truly he saw his father.
“He ascended the throne at a young age and was wealthy and blessed with long life, preserved the stool, promoted the Yoruba culture and was an epitome of royalty. We are happy to have him as the Alaafin”, she added.
Meanwhile, the Janazah (funeral) prayer has been conducted on the remains of the late Alaafin at the ancient palace in Oyo Town.
Janazah prayer is an Islamic prayer conducted on the deceased before going for final internment.
The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Oyoland, Sheikh Moshood Ajokidero, at exactly 11.55 p.m.
It was attended by Islamic clerics, sympathisers and some politicians.
Addressing newsmen after the prayer, Ajokidero said that the deceased had contributed his quotas to the development of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
The Chief Imam said that Adeyemi had impacted the lives of many people positively and would forever be remembered for his good deeds.
He called on the living to always impact positively on humanity, adding that everyone would be remembered for his or her deeds, either good or bad.