Following the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, his wives may now be permitted to seek union with other suitors without undergoing cleansing rituals.
According to beliefs in Yoruba tradition, wives of traditional rulers, either separated or still married are not at liberty to lay with other men until atonements have been made.
However, Peoples Gazette reports that palace sources said the Alaafin’s wives numbering about 18 are now free to move on.
The monarch is reported to have passed away late Friday at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. He was 83 years old.
The Palace source said; “They are not performing any cleansing; They are free to move on with their lives. “The wives cannot get married to an indigene of Oyo.”
Now that Alaafin is dead, they all would be asked to exit the palace with their belongings. Although the properties of the late monarch would be shared among them.”
In an interview years ago, Oba Adeyemi disclosed that he never proposed to any of his wives, adding that they chose to be with him because he sponsored their education.
