Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed the important roles played by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, and the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo in the selection of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as the Alaafin of Oyo.
Obasanjo made the disclosure on Wednesday during the Requiem Symposium held in honour of Olunloyo, who was the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under General Adeyinka Adebayo’s military administration in the old Western Region.
Describing Olunloyo as a genius with a complex personality, Obasanjo recalled how Olunloyo once came to him as the Area Commander to discuss a problem involving the Alaafin selection.
At the time, the kingmakers had chosen the son of a former Alaafin who had been sent into exile by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which caused tension. Olunloyo was uncertain about how to handle the issue.
Obasanjo said he advised Olunloyo to consult the Ooni of Ife, who told him that only sons of previous Alaafins should be allowed to ascend the throne, as they were the ones who would protect the palace.
After this advice, Olunloyo also visited Chief D.S. Adegbenro, who promised to speak with Chief Awolowo. Unknown to many, the Ooni had already talked to Awolowo, which helped pave the way for the acceptance of Adeyemi’s selection.
Obasanjo credited Olunloyo for taking the matter seriously and working tirelessly to resolve the conflict, leading to the peaceful installation of Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III with the support of all key stakeholders.
This story sheds light on the traditional and political negotiations behind one of the most important Yoruba throne successions in recent history.
