The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, will be laid to rest today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, following Islamic traditions.
The PUNCH reports The monarch, who reigned for two years, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a short illness.
The burial arrangements were announced by the monarch’s younger brother, Kola Balogun, who holds the title of Baba-Kekere Olubadan.
This information was provided to journalists by the deceased’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
He stated, “Oba Balogun will be interred at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4pm today, following Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been informally notified and will be formally informed early this morning.”
It should be noted that the monarch celebrated his second anniversary just 72 hours ago.
He mentioned, “At 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital on Wednesday morning after experiencing mild malaria fever, having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday. He was in good health on Monday when he personally received a few guests who visited to congratulate him on his second anniversary.”
The late Olubadan held a Ph.D. from a British institution, worked as a university lecturer, served on the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, was a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, a former Senator, and a successful businessman.
His final official duty was presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting the previous Saturday.
At that meeting, the decision to remove Mogaji Akinsola, Oladoja, was made.
However, on Tuesday, he instructed Oba Hamidu Ajibade, the Ekerin Olubadan, to lead a small committee in discussing last Friday’s decision regarding the Ibadan Zone's position in the proposed newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The small committee's decision was ratified by the Olubadan Advisory Council on Thursday at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and former Governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja. This decision was to be presented to the late Oba Balogun for his signature on Friday morning in order to meet the submission deadline to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
The late Olubadan is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.
