Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III

Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III was born on 15 October 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House, and as a member of the House of Oranmiyan to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi, who later became Alaafin in 1945, and Ibironke of Epo-Gingin, who died when he was young. His father is said to have had over 200 wives. His paternal grandfather was Alaafin Adeyemi I Alowolodu, who ruled during the Kiriji War, and was the last independent ruler of the Oyo Empire before British colonialism. He attended St. Gregory's College, Lagos and the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a degree in History. He also studied Law at the University of London. He worked as an insurance clerk, a police officer and a manager before becoming the Alaafin of Oyo on 18 November 1970, following the death of Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II. He was the 45th Alaafin of Oyo and the longest reigning monarch in the history of the Oyo Empire. He was also the permanent Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs until his death. He was a staunch defender of the Yoruba culture and tradition, and a promoter of peace and unity among the Yoruba people. He was also an influential figure in Nigerian politics, having played various roles in the military and civilian regimes. He was a recipient of many honours and awards, both locally and internationally, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). He was also a patron of many professional and social associations, such as the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, the Nigerian Football Association, and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. He was married to several wives and had many children and grandchildren. He died on 22 April 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, after developing complications related to prostate enlargement. His reign of 51 years is the longest reign of any Alaafin of Oyo in modern recorded history.