The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has once again been thrown into mourning, but this time not over the death of a monarch but over the demise of its longest serving palace aide, Morenikeji Lasisi, popularly known as Baba Keji.
He died on Sunday in Oyo town, reportedly at the age of 120.
It was gathered that the Palace aide did not show any sign of ailment as he died peacefully in his room.
The deceased was brought into the palace at age four and, until his death, remained the longest-serving palace aide.
Lasisi is said to have served three Alaafins, namely Oba Adeniran Adeyemi 1, the father of the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu, and the immediate past Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi 111.
Confirming his death, the regent of Oyo and Basorun of Oyoland, High Chief Akinade Ayoola, described Baba Keji as a dutiful palace aide that the people would miss.
He said Baba Keji, in spite of his age, related well with everybody.
“We will all miss him. He is a devout and dutiful palace aide.”
His death came barely eleven months after the death of the immediate past, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
Recall that TCN, following the demise of the immediate past Alaafin, had reported about the 3-feet diminutive figure who was described as a man with repository of knowledge of the Palace because of the knowledge of history he had at his disposal.
