By Abiola Olawale
The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, , Alli Okunmade II, who joined his ancestors at the age of 81 has been described as an epitome of excellence, great royalty and accomplishment by many including Governor Seye Makinde of Oyo State.
It was gathered that the monarch joined his ancestors late Thursday evening after succumbing to a brief illness. The monarch was said to have breathed his last at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo state, where he was rushed to receive medical attention.
Oba Balogun joined his ancestors exactly two years after ascending the throne of his forefathers. The monarch became the 42nd Olubadan, on March 11, 2022, succeeding the 41st Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji who passed away on January 2, 2022.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made this announcement in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media) Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Makinde described Oba Dr. Balogun as an 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.
The statement reads, “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.”
Also, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District at the Upper chamber of the National Assembly has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the untimely demise of Oba Balogun.
The lawmaker in a statement he signed, described the passing of Oba Olalekan Balogun as a monumental loss not only for the people of Ibadan but for the entire state.
He emphasized the enduring impact of his leadership and the indelible mark he left on the cultural tapestry of Ibadan, saying Balogun’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many.
“I join the people of Ibadanland in mourning the loss of a beloved monarch and leader. I stand in solidarity with the community in honoring the legacy and contributions of Oba Balogun,” the lawmaker stated
Meanwhile, the remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland will be interred according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The burial announcement was disclosed in a statement issued by the monarch’s younger brother who is the Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun.
Giving more insight on the cause of the death of his brother, Kola said the monarch felt a slight fever and was rushed to the hospital immediately. However, he succumbed to the call of his ancestors while receiving treatment.
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
“Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
