Olubadan Oba Lekan Balogun dies at 81

Olubadan-elect Lekan Balogun

Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun has died aged 81, according to Governor Seyi Makinde.

In a statement by his media aide Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde said the Olubadan died on Thursday night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Oba Balogun, who ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, was the 42nd monarch of the ancient city.

Makinde described the late royal father 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.

The governor 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.”