The death of Lamidi Adeyemi III, Alaafin of Oyo, has been considered as a major loss to the Yoruba society at large.
The monarch’s death sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many wondering what would become of his wives.
However, some Nigerians have taken to social media to raise their concerns about the fate of the numerous wives of the late monarch.
What will now happene to Late King OYO Alaafin Beautiful wives ???🤔 🤔 🤔 pic.twitter.com/2WfGG6pvvq
— BIG Bliz 𓃵 (@Adamsbliz) April 25, 2022
Can Alaafin wives remarry?
Asking for a friend 🌚 pic.twitter.com/3kyjOXfwx9
— TUNDE 💯 (@Tvnde20) April 23, 2022
Now that Alaafin of Oyo has joined his ancestors, what will happen to his 13 wives?🤔
— Tobaizon (@saula_tobiloba) April 23, 2022
Can Alaafin of Oyo beautiful under 30 wives remarry or are they going to remain like that for life?
— ESOSA (@TheRealEsosa) April 23, 2022
Just thinking; now that the alaafin is gone, what is going to happen to his numerous beautiful wives? Are they going to remain in the palace or is the new Alaafin going to inherit them ?? pic.twitter.com/jlkpuatRbu
— Berry (@unknownadah) April 23, 2022
Oloris’ fate
Ifayemi Elebuibon, an Ifa priest, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, spoke about the position of the Yoruba tradition regarding the fate of the late monarch’s wives.
Mr Elebuibon, based in Oyo State, said the queens could either remarry after the late king’s burial rites or remain in the palace where the new king would inherit them as his wives.
He said: “At present, they will be mourning the departure of their husband. After the ceremonies of the right of passage, those who wished to stay back in the palace can stay, the new oba will come and take care of them, and those who wish to remarry can go and remarry.”
“The new monarch would inherit them as part of his inheritance to the throne,” he said.
He explained that the wives of the Alaafin could only remarry after fulfilling traditional sacred rites of atonements and disassociating themselves from the palace.
They are not allowed to marry any member of the royal family or ruling branch.
Ifayemi Elebuibon, Ifa priest and poet
Burial rites, transition of power
The Ifa priest also said the traditional burial ceremony and rites of the late monarch have since commenced.
“It is the third day already, and every day comes with its traditional rites and rituals. The ritual would last for three weeks or three months,” he said.
Further explaining the roles the king’s wives play during the burial rites, Mr Elebuibon, who is also a historian, said the Oloris are supposed to be indoors, away from the eyes of the people, until the traditional burial rites are entirely over.
