Olubadan of Ibadan is dead, Makinde mourns
The city of Ibadan and the entire Oyo State are mourning the passing of a titan in its traditional hierarchy, Oba Olalekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who passed away kat Thursday at 82.
The demise of Oba Balogun, two years after ascending the throne, marks the end of an era characterised by wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.
Th monarch’s media aide, Dele Ogunsola, confirmed his demise in a solemn announcement late Thursday evening. The news of Oba Balogun’s passing has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the community.
NAN reports that the Olubadan transitioned from this world at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, just hours after being admitted, succumbing to the frailties of life despite a brief battle with illness. His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of Ibadan’s residents, who have long looked to him for guidance, leadership, and the preservation of their cherished traditions.
As the city prepares to bid farewell to its beloved ruler, plans are underway for his interment at his Aliwo ancestral home. In accordance with Islamic customs. The burial ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening at 4 p.m., signalling a final tribute to a man whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
The monarch’s younger brother, Dr. Kola Balogun, in a statement conveyed through the late Olubadan’s media aide, the sombre announcement of his passing echoed the sentiments of loss felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Balogun revealed that the Olubadan’s health had taken a sudden turn, prompting his admission to UCH after a day spent battling a bout of malaria. Just days prior, on the occasion of his second anniversary as the reigning monarch, Oba Balogun had greeted well-wishers with vigour and warmth, unaware that his time among them was drawing to a close. His sudden departure serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for those who seem larger than it.
Beyond his role as a traditional ruler, the late Olubadan was a man of diverse talents and accomplishments. A holder of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and a former university lecturer, he traversed the worlds of academia and business with equal aplomb. His tenure at Shell British Petroleum and his foray into politics, including a governorship candidacy with the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) and a term as Senator, underscored his multifaceted contributions to society.
Despite his illustrious career and numerous accolades, Oba Balogun remained grounded in his commitment to serving his people. His last official engagement, presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting just days before his passing, epitomised his dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities until the very end. His enduring legacy is not only evident in his professional achievements but also in the lives he touched and the values he instilled in those around him.
Governor Seyi Makinde Oyo State, whil officially announcing the passing of Olubadan described 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.”
In a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde expressed condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people and the people of Ibadanland as well as the entire state in general.
Part of the statement read: “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.”
