National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said that he secured the “prayers and blessings” of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III for his 2023 presidential ambition.
The former Lagos governor, who is vying for the APC’s presidential ticket, said this in a statement on Saturday while mourning the demise of the revered monarch.
Oba Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ekiti State on Friday.
“l had an abiding personal relationship with Alaafin whom I deeply respected. He was a Mentor, leader and father figure.
” I visited Kabiyesi in February in Oyo to seek his prayers and blessings which he graciously gave, little did I know it was the last time we would see each other face to face,” Tinubu said.
He described the late monarch as a strong pillar of the arts, culture and tradition.
He said Oba Adeyemi’s transition was an auspicious era in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba and the entirety of the black race.
“Kabiyesi took upon himself the task of promoting Nigerian arts and culture for which he received many ambassadorial awards in Nigeria and beyond.
“In recognition of his important contributions to peace, religious harmony and stability in Nigeria, the nation gifted him the high honour of Commander of the Federal Republic,” Tinubu said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential hopeful expressed sadness at the passing of the late Oba adding that with his transition, a big Iroko had fallen.