A traditionalist identified as Baba Araba of Oṣogbo, Chief Ifayẹmi Ẹlẹbuibọn has warned Nigerian men against going for any of the wives of the late Alaafin of Oyo until they perform and complete some traditional rites.
The 83-year-old Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll died on Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
At the last count, the respected first class monarch, had between 13 and 18 wives.
He his reputed to marry the most beautiful maidens in the land, especially the light-skinned ones. The Oba apparently showered all his women with so much love and had a firm grip on nearly all of them.
His wives proudly moved around with him everywhere he went and do not miss a chance to pose for pictures with the elderly Oba.
Hardly was any scandal or infighting heard from among the bevy of beauties.
Oba Lamidi was also a fitness enthusiast, often seen jogging around his neighbourhood or the stadium and engaging in aerobics and other cardio fitness routines.
In an effort to investigate the fate of the wives, BBC Yoruba spoke to some traditionalists. One of them, Baba Araba of Oṣogbo, stated that the wives will not be available for other men until their mourning period comes to an end and all rites are completed.
He explained further that the monarchs wives are free to remarry but this could only be after they have been stripped of Alaafin’s aura.
“Alaafin, or The Owner of the Palace in the Yoruba language, is the title of the emperor of the medieval Oyo empire and present-day Oyo town of West Africa. He ruled the old Oyo Empire which extended from the present day Benin republic to Nigeria originating from states in the South East and West to the North. The people under him are called Yoruba people and spoke the Yoruba Language.” – Wikipedia
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Fate of Alaafin’s Many Gorgeous Wives Revealed by Palace Chief
‘Never Go For Any of Alaafin’s Wives’ – Traditionalist Warns Men