In a solemn announcement on Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State conveyed the news of the passing of the esteemed 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II. The late monarch transitioned late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, in a heartfelt statement, highlighted Oba Balogun’s 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 condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
“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,” said Governor Makinde. “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,” he added.
The Governor further expressed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Oyo State to the immediate family of 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,” Governor Makinde concluded.
The passing of Oba Balogun leaves a void in Ibadanland, but his enduring legacy as a beacon of royal excellence and accomplishment will be remembered by generations to come.