Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, is dead. He was 83 years old.

The monarch passed on in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Prior to his death, the Alaafin had been ill for a while.

Oba Adeyemi was the third Alaafin from the Alowodu ruling house to rule the Oyo empire.

His remains have since been taken to Oyo town, where traditional rites, to celebrate his passing, have started.

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Oba Adeyemi’s reign lasted 52 years, making him the longest reigning Alaafin in history.

His passing came, months after those of two other senior Oyo State monarchs — the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi – died.

A new Olubadan has however since been appointed while the Soun throne remains empty.

Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

He was crowned on November 18, 1970, replacing Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I. He was commonly known as Iku Baba Yeye.

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While he ruled, he was the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

With the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo king. Adeyemi’s predecessor, Alaafin Ladigbolu, came from the Agunloye House.