The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II. Oba is dead. He was aged 82.
The first-class monarch reportedly died at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan a few hours after he was admitted into the tertiary health facility on Thursday evening.
Also confirming the development in a heartfelt statement, the Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde Makinde conveyed the news of Oba Balogun’s transition, late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Makinde, noting his significant contributions to Ibadanland during his brief reign of just over two years. Describing the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree, Governor Makinde extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
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.”
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Oba Balogun’s soul and acknowledged his enduring legacy as a beacon of royal excellence and accomplishment.
Born in 1942, Oba Balogun, who was a Fourth Republic Senator, represented Oyo Central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003.
He ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Oguguniso III. Adetunji, 93, had died on January 2, 2022, after reigning from March 4, 2016.
With the unique succession system of Olubadan stool, the next in line of the obaship will be officially announced after the traditional 21 days of mourning, as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
