Reports has it that the great 31-years-old Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who is supposed to Celebrate his 50years of coronation anniversary yesterday, 14th of January, 2021, has postponed due to the ravaging coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
This statement personally signed by him, was released to the newsmen on Saturday, 9th January 2021.
The aged Oba of oyo ascended the throne on 14th January, 1971, at his early age of 31. It was said that Oba has made adequate arrangement for a grade and elaborate ceremony to mark his 50years on thrown, but opened up that it was important to postpone the event.
He added that he had been able to convince his traditional cabinet on the need to postpone the upcoming grade event, as a sign of respect for the sanctity of human life.
In his words:
“As usual, all those who know the importance of the Alaafin stool to the Yoruba nationhood, both at home and in the diaspora, had indicated their intention to be physically present on the occasion.
“Against the backdrop of the current global pandemic of COVID-19, I have got to make a rethink on the timing of the celebration.
“With very strong personal pain but with respect for the sanctity of human life, I have been able to convince my traditional cabinet (Oyomesi) of the need to postpone the event.
“The event is postponed till after the pandemic might have gone in no distant future,” he said.
The oba added that the logistics of effecting social distance rule and need of harbouring visitors from abroad for the mandatory two weeks isolation informed the decision.
“Consequently, between personal interest and national interest, especially when it comes to the sanctity of human life, the choice is clear for any patriot.
“While regretting any inconveniences the postponement might have caused, the sanctity of human life is more important to me than any social engagement,” he said.
