Meet Baba Kekere, The Man Who Has Served Three Alaafin Of Oyo since 1945

Baba Kekere of Oyo Palace. Morenikeji Lasisi also known as Baba Kekere is a palace messenger whose life time of service cuts across three generation of monarchs in Oyo.

He has served three Alaafins, with the first dating back to 1945, and the messenger is still alive till date.

The man who is called Baba Kekere of Oyo kingdom is said to be over 100 years old, though his date of birth is unknown because it was not recorded.

According to historian and journalist, Ogunmiloro Kenny, the first Alaafin of Oyo that Lasisi started running errands for in 1945 was Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, Lamidi’s father, and he did it till 1956 when the traditional ruler died.

Lasisi then served Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II from 1956 until the monarch passed away in 1968.

His most recent record of servitude was for Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, between 1970 and 2022. Baba Kekere is said to have gotten the name due to his diminutive size.

Recall that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III passed away last Friday, April 22, while receiving treatment at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

BABA KEKERE OF OYO KINGDOM

Baba Kekere has served 3 Alaafins. His duty is to run errands for the king. He served :

1. Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, Lamidis father between 1945 & 1956.

2. Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II between 1956 & 1968 and

3. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, between 1970 & 2022.