The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alliance Okunmade II has died.
The late monarch who ascended the throne two year ago was 81 years.
The late monarch received his staff of office on March 11, 2022.
In a statement confirming the death of the first class monarch, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Sulaimon Olanrewaju said that the late Oba died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Thursday.
The statement read in part:
“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.”
The late Olubadan last week celebrated his two years on the throne where he thanked the people of Ibadan for their support and made promises of the continuous harmonious leadership in West Africa’s largest city.
Oba Lekan Balogun succeeded late Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Late Oba Balogun was a former high flying management of Shell Petroleum.
He was also a former university lecturer, he earned his PhD in England and was a successful politician.
He was a Senator and was the governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, (NPP).
Meanwhile, palace sources have announced that the late monarch will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, by 4pm today in accordance with Islamic rites.
The burial announcement announced by the Personal Assistant (Media), to the late monarch Oladele Ogunsola states:
“Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”