By Omogbolahan Babawale
The ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital has yet been thrown into mourning as the Olubadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, joins his ancestors.
Multiple sources confirmed to PODIUM REPORTERS that the revered king died at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, few hours after he was moved into the university hospital. Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has also confirmed the demise of the late king. Governor Makinde, on Thursday, announced the passage unto glory of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
The governor made the announcement in a statement on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Governor 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 further 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. 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.”
Late Olubadan, Oba Balogun, who represented Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003, was born in 1942 and was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He had ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Oguguluso. Adetunji, 93, had died January 2, 2022, after reigning from 4th March 2016.
With its unique ascension system, Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan, who is top on the military line, will be officially announced after 21 days of mourning, as Olubadan.