Ibadan monarch Lekan Balogun exits at 81

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has joined his ancestors.

Aged 81, the monarch will be buried at 4pm today, April 15, according to Muslim rites, Persecondnews reports.

Oba Balogun spent only two years on the throne of his forefathers, having been presented the Staff of Office by Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde on March 11, 2022.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday, Makinde said Oba Balogun died on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The governor described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree.

“With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“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.

“On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.

“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,” he said.

The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942 and he ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.

On March 11, 2024, the late monarch thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne, just as he thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.

Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful.

He said they should do it as an expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.