Minister  of Youth and sports  Development Mr Sunday Dare has  described  the Alafin of  Oyo  Kingdom  as a unifier and custodian of a rich cultural value.
As the drums are rolled out in celebration  of the 50th year anniversary  of the coronation of the Alafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi  Olanrewaju  Adeyemi 111. 

According  to Mr. Dare ” On behalf of  the  good people of Oyo state and  Nigerians at large, I felicitate with his Imperial  Majesty  Oba Lamidi  Olanrewaju  Adeyemi 111 on the special occasion  of your 50th year Coronation.  Your reign has not only brought stability,  progress and  development , it has fostered unity, love and hope in Oyo State and Nigeria  in general. 

Your fatherly role, wisdom and peaceful disposition has been  quite inspiring in the last 50 years of your reign. You are not just a custodian of our rich cultural  values and tradition, but a lover of humanity and consummate  sports man. 

Your life is indeed very exemplary not only to the old generation,  but  to  the Youth who have  a lot  to learn from your life of selfless  service. 

As you continue to lead the people of our Great  Kingdom,  May God bless and sustain you in Good health, He said.

Oba Adeyemi  emerged as the Alafin in 1970, but was corononated on  the 14th  January, 1971 by the Military  Administrator of General Adeyinka Adebayo.

Born on October 15th  1938, the Alafin remains  one of the longest reigning Monarchs  in Yoruba Land.