Late Alaafin’s 18 wives told to go get suitors

Following the death of the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on Friday, the 18 wives he left behind have been told that they are now available for suitors without undergoing cleansing rituals.

The late monarch was aged 83 and he ruled for 52 years before he joined his ancestors after receiving treatment at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

CAPITAL POST earlier reported that the late first class monarch has been buried according to Islamic rites having his remains prayed for by the Chief Imam of Oyo State.

Traditionally, wives of late Alaafin were expected to observe traditional cleansing before remarrying after demise of their husband, but the palace of the late traditional ruler on Saturday announced that such would not be so, saying that the wives are free from the traditional cord.

Though, it was uncertain the number of wives the late Oba has at the time of his demise, a close source said, they were not less than 18 wives as all of them are not living in the palace.

The palace source said: “Oba Adeyemi’s queens, Abibat (first wife), Rahmat Adedayo, Mujidat, Rukayat, Folashade, Badirat Ajoke, Memunat Omowunmi, Omobolanle, Moji, Anuoluwapo, Damilola, Chioma and others are now available for suitors.

“They are not performing any cleansing; They are free to move on with their lives,” he said. Nonetheless, he said. “The wives cannot get married to an indigene of Oyo.”

Those living in the palace would be told to leave for their parents home with their belongings, and properties of the late Oba that will be shared among them them.

Mmes Abibat and Rahmat were married to Oba Adeyemi at the time of his coronation on January 14, 1971.