There has been a rumour going viral on the internet on the speculation that German Footballer, Kareem Adeyemi, who is of Oyo decency in the paternal side, is selected by divination to be the next Alaafin of Oyo.
The netizen has generated many reactions and comments on the internet questioning the veracity of the claim. Some news blogs have also published reports about this claim.
It could be recalled that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, Iku Baba Yeye returned to his ancestral father in 2022 and the sit of the Alaafin has remained vacant till date. This article however fact check the viral information.
Adeyemi was born in Munich, Germany, to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother.
Since the visit of Nigerian-German International Karim Adeyemi to Ibadan the Oyo State capital a few days back. There have been some social media posts that the young player could be the next Alaafin of Oyo state.
A netizen named Brilliant Ndubuisi caused confusion online with his post that says Adeyemi has been chosen by the Oracle to be the next Alaafin of Oyo.
“As reported, the Borussia Dortmund Striker, Karim Adeyemi has been chosen by oracle as the next Alaafin of Oyo as he visited Ibadan this Christmas with his parents. Congrats,” Brilliant Chysomaga Ndubuisi claims.
Adeyemi’s Visit to Nigeria
Borussia Dortmund forward, Karim Adeyemi, was spotted at the Olubadan Stadium, where he watched his team, Adeyemi FC in a novelty match against Nigeria Professional Football League side, Shooting Stars Sports Club on Boxing Day.
The exhibition game was organized by his NGO, Karim Adeyemi Foundation, as the fans at the stadium were excited sighting the 20-year-old footballer.
Who is the Alaafin?
Alaafin is the owner of the palace in Yoruba, and it is the title of the present-day Oyo town.
In the meantime, Alaafin ruled the old Oyo Empire which extended from the present-day Benin Republic to Nigeria, originating from states in the Southeast and West to the North.
Alaafin stool
The immediate Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was a boxer of repute. He retired from boxing after his enthronement in 1970. Oba Adeyemi was known for his boxing skills and still engaged in boxing until his demise.
Alaafin stool is still Vacant
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joined his ancestors in April this year and since then the stool has not been filled with anyone.
Oba Adeyemi was 83 years old and was the longest-reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for more than 51 years.
The stool of Alaafin
He was crowned as Alaafin on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I and was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye.
Can Karim Adeyemi become the next Alaafin?
There are two royal houses in Oyo that are entitled to become the Alaafin, Alowolodu and Agunloye.
The two families are to take turns ascending the throne. The late Alaafin was from the Alowolodu royal family. With this, it is the turn of the Agunloye family to take charge.
The Agunloye family is also known as ‘Ladigbolu’ or ‘Gbadegesin’.
Adeyemi was born in Munich, Germany, to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother. His father originated from Ibadan in Oyo state which is not even part of the two families entitled to the throne.
The monarch is chosen by the kingmakers after the family of Agunloye presents a list of aspiring candidates.
With these, Adeyemi is not and cannot be the next Alaafin of Oyo. He should focus all his attention on his football career and not get distracted by social media frenzy.
Source : Oyo Affairs
