The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, is dead aged 81.
He died Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
Oba Balogun spent two years only on the throne. He was presented the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022.
The news of his death was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba 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,” Makinde penned as he mourned the late monarch.
The late Olubadan who was born on October 18, 1942 ascended the throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Days before his death, the Olubadan on Monday had thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne.
He also thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.
His burial rites is expect to be carried out on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The younger brother to the Olubadan, Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun, in a statement in Ibadan, disclosed the burial to the public saying:
“Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 pm on Friday according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
“Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though, he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
The late Olubadan was a British-trained PhD holder, a former university lecturer, a former member of the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, a former Senator and a successful businessman
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