Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, announced the passage unto the glory of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
The governor announced on Thursday that Olubadan Balogun joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde described Oba Dr. Balogun as the 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 greatness 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 grant repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
Olubadan Balogun’s Life and Time
The late Olubadan was the first and most educated to emerge as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He 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 (NPP), a former senator and a successful businessman.
Oba Balogun had his last official outing at the meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, which he presided over last Saturday.
It was at the meeting that the decision was made to disrobe Chief Olawale Oladoja as the Mogaji Akinsola family.
On Tuesday, the late Oba Balogun instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to midwife a small committee to deliberate on a decision taken last Friday on what should be the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly-reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
As disclosed by the media aide of the late Oba Balogun, the decision of the small committee was ratified on Thursday by the Olubadan Advisory Council at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and the former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
The decision, as ratified, was to be taken to the late Oba Balogun for his signature this morning to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
Oba Balogun was presented with the Staff of Office by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at a colourful event held at the historic Mapo Hall on 11 March 2022.
The late 42nd Olubadan, born on 18 October 1942, is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.
