GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has lamented the fire that wreaked havoc on the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, saying that it destroyed artefacts, ornaments and traditional relics of the people of Yorubaland.
The governor made this known on Wednesday while on a sympathy visit to the monarch in Oyo, saying “it is in our own definition a disaster. Moreso, having gone round the whole palace on inspection of the damage. The fire touched virtually everywhere and it was very devastating. It consumed virtually everything, including traditional attires, ornaments,” he said.
While charging fire fighters to be more dedicated and effective in their operations, Governor Ajimobi said the effect could have been minimized if urgent attention had been brought to the raging fire.
“The lesson here is that, one, our fire support services should be more efficient. Second, the reactions of the Kabiyesi and the entire family were very commendable and immediate. That they were able to put out the fire is commendable,” the governor said.
The governor said that from the assessment he had carried out on the burnt palace, the damage to the palace was irreparable and colossal.
It was learnt that the fire was caused by electrical surge in one of the rooms.
Three apartments occupied by the Alaafin’s wives and the rooms – Ile Ori and Ile Ifa – where artifacts were kept were affected.
However, no life was lost and nobody sustained injury.
The monarch’s wives and princesses Folasade (a.k.a Iyaa Meta), Rukayat and Abibat lamented that they lost all their valuables to the inferno.
Ajimobi however promised to assist the monarch in the reconstruction of the palace, stating that as a foremost traditional ruler and a great friend of the administration, government could not but support the Kabiyesi because in doing so, government was supporting Yorubaland.
“As a government, we are going to support the Kabiyesi and the Kabiyesi, as you know, has been at the forefront of support for the present administration,” the governor said.