He Never Forgot Us — Alaafin’s Son Hails Tinubu’s Consistent Friendship

H Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi has paid a heartfelt tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a "consistent and reliable friend" who demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and his family.

In a statement reflecting on the passing of the revered monarch, Hon. Adeyemi recalled how the 22nd of April 2022 marked a significant and sorrowful day in Yorubaland — the day Iku Baba Yeye, the custodian of Yoruba traditions and heritage, joined his ancestors.

He recounted how, earlier in the same year, Asiwaju Tinubu, while consulting stakeholders across Nigeria over his presidential ambition, made a pivotal visit to the Alaafin’s palace immediately after seeing then-President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

“Oyo was agog on his arrival,” Adeyemi wrote. “A tumultuous crowd received the Jagaban with pomp and circumstance. Omo Olodo-ide was treated to a grand and impressive ceremony with elaborate cultural display and showy activities. Oba Adeyemi prayed for Asiwaju’s success — and he succeeded.”

The next day, Tinubu visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where he similarly expressed his respect and sought blessings:

“?yin baba mi, emi ?m? yin re o; ? timi l'?yin; ? j? k’o jumi se o,”
he reportedly told the royal fathers — meaning, “My fathers, I am your son; support me and let me succeed.”
Hon. Adeyemi noted that on the day of Oba Adeyemi’s death, Tinubu was on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj. Upon receiving the sad news on April 23rd, he cut short his spiritual journey — departing on the sixth day instead of the scheduled tenth — and returned to Nigeria.

“He arrived Abuja on the morning of the 8th-day fidau of Oba Adeyemi III. He rested for just two hours and jetted out to Oyo to attend the prayer, same day,” the lawmaker stated.

According to Adeyemi, President Tinubu has consistently shown the traits of an ?m?lúàbí — a person of noble character — not only by his presence at the late Alaafin’s fidau, but also during the passing of other Yoruba monarchs, including the Awujale of Ijebuland, whose 8th-day prayer he also attended.

He added, “The honour President Tinubu accorded the late President Muhammadu Buhari is an eloquent testament to his reliability, love and support to those who love him. This unprecedented treatment of his predecessor has earned him accolades from all Nigerians.”

Hon. Adeyemi emphasized that Tinubu’s sense of friendship goes beyond politics.

“The true test and measure of friendship is in the times of needs. A friend like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worth more than a whole battalion of supporters. He holds fast to the bond of friendship like the oath of confraternity.”

He further revealed that the Tinubus — both Mr. President and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu — have remained in regular contact with the Adeyemi family since the monarch’s passing, checking on their wellbeing and offering support.

Hon. Adeyemi concluded with words of gratitude and prayer: “Mr President, the love, admiration, and respect you have for Oba Adeyemi III have been transferred to Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the current Alaafin of Oyo. May God bless all of us with good friends, who will ?’oju and ?’?yin. Amin a?? Edumare.”