Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
Alaafin of Oyo is the third from the Alowodu Ruling House.
The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began.
He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
His death makes him the third first class king to die in Oyo State in recent time, the Soun of Ogbmoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III died in December 2021, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji died in January 2022 and now the death of Alaafin just about three months after.
The death of other prominent figures in Oyo State has happened concurrently including the death of two former governors of the state, Senator Isiaka Ajimobi and just recently, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Consequently, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the Alaafin’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, who will now lead Oyo before a new Alaafin is installed.