Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi returns to Boxing

As Nigerian traditional rulers across the country are becoming increasingly inclined to unorthodox drives with Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi lead the pack, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is set to become a glove-wearing Oba.

Oba Adeyemi who  was a boxer of repute who retired from the sport after his coronation in 1970  has decided to return to the ring as he will be taking on an opponent at Oyo Township Stadium today.

Vanguard reports that the royal bout is the peak of a nine-day event lined up to mark the 78th birthday of Oba Adeyemi, with a belt to be presented to the winner.

Isiaka Olatunji, Vice President of Nigerian Boxing Managers Association stated that the belt was presented as a birthday gift to the Oba by United States based ex-boxer, Mojeed Okedara, but the formidable King said he would prefer fighting for it.

Olatunji further stated that Alaafin has been training hard for the coming fight, as he intends to take the belt home.

“His imperial majesty, Alaafin has been training hard everyday for the bout. I’m sure with level of his training, he is ready for the title fight,” he said.

One may say he doesn’t need much training, what with the backing of the gods. But then, can his opponent really land a punch?.