Makinde announces passage of Olubadan; Says ‘an Iroko has fallen’    

By David Adeoye
Ibadan, March 15, 2024

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, announced the passage unto glory of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

The governor made this announcement in a statement on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Governor Makinde described Oba Dr. Balogun as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.

He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.

He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”

Meanwhile, it has been announced by a family member that the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun who died late Thursday, will be buried on Friday evening in Ibadan.

The late Oba who died barely 72 hours after completing two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. according to Islamic rites.

His younger brother, Dr Kola Balogun, disclosed in a statement by the late Olubadan’s media aide, Oladele Ogunsola, that “Olubadan bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.”

He added that the late Ibadan traditional ruler was taken to the hospital after having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of a slight malaria fever.

“Baba was hale and hearty on Monday, when he personally received the few guests who paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day,” Dr Kola Balogun said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Olubadan was a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holder, and a former university lecturer.

He was also a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), former Senator and a successful businessman.

His last official outing was the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting which he presided over on Saturday.

The late Olubadan is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.