Olubadan Of Ibadanland Passes Away At 81

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, is dead at age 81.

Oba Balogun ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, spending only two years as the monarch of the ancient Nigerian city.

His Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement on Thursday confirmed the monarch's death, saying, "The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage.”

Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the passing of the esteemed 42nd Olubadan.

In a heartfelt statement, Governor Makinde conveyed the news of Oba Balogun’s transition, late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Makinde, noting his significant contributions to Ibadanland during his brief reign of just over two years, described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree.

Governor Makinde extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

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.”

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Oba Balogun’s soul and acknowledged his enduring legacy as a beacon of royal excellence and accomplishment.