Alaafin Calls for Yoruba Unity in Memory of Olanihun Ajayi

Sakin Babalola,Ibadan

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has said that one of the greatest tributes that Yorubaland and its leaders could pay to the memory of the departed icon and Afenifere leader, Chief Olanihun Ajayi, is for them to be united.

Oba Adeyemi stated this in a condolence message personally signed by him which wastitled “Tribute to Sir Olanihun Ajayi.”

According to the Alaafin, the death of Ajayi was a colossal loss to Yorubaland and the people of the country.

Alaafin said: “The best way to celebrate the departed soul of the great man is for Yoruba leaders, irrespective of their political differences, to hold firmly the symbol of unity that binds them together as a people of common ancestry and heritage.”

Oba Adeyemi who referred to the departure of the Yoruba leader as an ‘exit of one of the great political titans of our time’ said Ajayi ‘lived a life full of selfless service to the people’.

While extolling his virtues, Oba Adeyemi traced the Afenifere leader’s political odyssey, concluding that he benefitted humanity while alive.

He said: “The Late Chief belonged to a political dynasty which bequeathed a legacy of social welfarism through transparency, honesty and political faithfulness to the people of Yorubaland, nay the old Western Region.

“It is not surprising that this legacy made the old Western Region the reference point for service delivery in public office, to the rest of the country.

“There is no doubt that the dynasty and its members from inception passed through many travails and political vicissitudes. Like many of his peers, he remained unwavering in his resistance to any kind of political intimidation.

“He (Sir Ajayi) belonged to the political school of those who believe that for our federalism to be meaningful, our unity must be predicated on our recognition and appreciation of the diversity of our culture, hence his steadfastness in the call for our political restructuring.”