Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao has described the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, as a great loss to Ibadanland, the Yoruba race and Nigeria.
The Asiwaju of Irokoland, in a condolence statement he signed while expressing sympathy with all Ibadan indigenes, the royal family, Olubadan in Council, Council of Chiefs and Oyo State government, on the death of the 42nd Olubadan, said the death of the first-class monarch at this time is shocking given his impact on the development of Ibadanland since he ascended the throne two years ago.
According to him, Oba Balogun, who was the first and most educated to have emerged as an Ibadan monarch with a PhD, brought panache and finesse to the royal institution, stating that though his impactful reign was short, his landmarks as a monarch would continue to speak for him.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the revered monarch with a successful career in academics, business and politics, noted that his place in history is assured given his dedication to the welfare of his people and humanity in general.
While recalling his first encounter with the late monarch in 2018, during which he lectured him on the political process and complexities in Oyo State, Engineer Alao disclosed that Oba Balogun told him that he was ready to mentor young politicians as he did not have such a mentor on his return to Nigeria in the 1970s.
Alao said, “I received with great shock the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, and I cannot but join all Ibadan indigenes, the royal family, the Olubadan in Council, the Council of Chiefs, and the Oyo State government, to mourn our revered father who joined his ancestors.
No doubt, his impactful reign was short; however, we should be consoled that he left legacies and landmarks that every Ibadan indigene must be proud of.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will accept his coming and offer him a place in Aljannah.”
