How many wives did Alaafin of Oyo have?

Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III was the Alaafin, or traditional ruler, of the Yoruba town of Oyo and rightful heir to the throne of its historic empire.

Alaafin Adeyemi III was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House, and as a member of the House of Oranmiyan to Raji Adeniran Adeyemi (born 1871), who later became Alaafin in 1945, and Ibironke of Epo-Gingin, who died when he was young.

Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III’s father is said to have had over 200 wives.

Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III did follow in his father’s steps of having more than one wife but he didn’t come close to his father’s 200 wives.

 

Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife.

However, he attended most events with her or with one of the twelve junior wives that he was also married to.

Some of the other wives of the Alaafin of Oyo were;

Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi, Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi, Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.

So in all, the Alaafin of Oyo had thirteen wives. 

The Alaafin of Oyo died on April 22, 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, at the age of 83, after reports of a brief illness, and his reign of 51 years is the longest reign of any Alaafin of Oyo in history.