Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

By Tunde Sanni

The Alaafinof Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has been worried over the loss of ancient artefacts to the fire that gutted his palace last week.

The worry, THISDAY gathered, has been how to replace them.

The monarch’s concern came on the heels of a sympathy visit of the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, who described the fire incident as a big setback to Yoruba cultural renaissance.

The Alaafin’s media aide, Fehintola Azeez, confided in THISDAY that some of the burnt artefacts may take too long to replace.

“The burning of the artefacts themselves has been a source of concern to the kabiyesi.

“Alaafin has however taken solace in God as well as expressing gratitude to Him for the safety of every member of the palace.”

Fehintola noted that it was too early to place monetary value on the damages done to the ancient palace, saying the loss was monumental.

Meanwhile, Akinjide who expressed surprise at the level of damage caused by the fire, enjoined the monarch to accept the incident as the will of God.

The minister, who described the Alaafin as a Yoruba cultural ambassador, lamented the irreparable damage the fire outbreak has wreaked, saying that it would be difficult to replace some of the artefacts already claimed by the fire.

Akinjide called on all  illustrious indigenes of Oyo State to contribute towards rebuilding of the palace which she said is a miniature cultural museum.

Waxing philosophical, she said: “As I feel deeply saddened by this occurrence, I am at the same time thankful to God that no life was lost in it.”