Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
Deep appreciation to all who have demonstrated their sympathy and expressed their condolences over the loss of our eldest son, Jide.
I want to especially thank President Muhammadu Buhari, VP Yemi Osinbajo, the state Governors, distinguished Senators...
particularly Senate President Bukola Saraki, members of the House of Representatives, APC leaders and members and indeed all Nigerians.
I thank the traditional rulers for their display of support.
My son was a highly intelligent person with a vibrant personality and a zest for life.
He followed his own course and made his own way on his own terms.
Yet, he was taken away by cardiac arrest when it seemed he had so much life to still live.
This is a reminder that we must live each day to its best as none of us know when our last day shall be.
Your reaction to my son’s passing has taught me that we can be a people of profound love and humanity when we want to be.
People of every tribe, region, faith and every political affiliation have expressed their sympathy and
extended to me brotherly embrace
Even those who don’t agree with me politically have shown strong support and care indistinguishable from that of my associates.
This says so much about the innate goodness in all of us. For no matter what, we are not foes or enemies. We are all of one human stock
I wish I could bring my son back but I cannot.
However, what I can do is to be more caring and helpful to the living as I know this is what Jide would want to become of his passing.
Let us all take a lesson from this and think a bit more about our fellow man, our neighbor, our fellow Nigeria.
Again, as we are away from Lagos, we thank you for the love you have shown and ask that you not only show it to us but to each other.
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