We’ve lost a monarch whose influence transcends Oyo – Ex Oyo Speaker, Gunju Ojo.

Immediate Past Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly, RT Hon Joshua Olagunju Ojo, has described the late Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as one of the last man standing protecting the Youruba culture and tradition.

The seasoned parliamentarian while sharing the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, said the late monarch was a disciplinarian symbol and a sport lover.

In a statement he personally signed, the Ogbomoso born lawmaker said he received the news of the demise of the king with great shock, noting that no one who ever thought of loosing Iku Baba Yeye to the cold hands of death now.

“Oba Adeyemi is a brave and courageous king who did everything possible to preserve the Yoruba culture and tradition as he also extends it beyond the shores of Africa.

“Baba followed the tradition of his great predecessors. He was a great traditional leader, urbane and respected by his subjects. His influence transcended the Oyo Kingdom and, indeed, Oyo State.

“He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional rulers across Nigeria and beyond the shore of Nigeria and was very well respected among his counterparts.

“His death will be felt not only by his people nor Oyo state, but indeed, the entire nation. We can, nevertheless, be consoled from knowing that Oba Lamidi has gone to join his ancestors and left behind him a good name and worthy legacy. Indeed.